Statement of Nathaniel Keohane
President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
January 20, 2025 

On the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States

“With the clean energy economy driving jobs and opportunity even as wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather disasters threaten communities around the country, it has never been clearer that America’s prosperity and security depend on how we address our climate and energy challenges. The question facing the new administration is whether it will position America to win in the low-carbon economy of the twenty-first century, or try to take us backward to a bygone era of fossil fuels. The rest of the world is racing ahead on clean energy, creating new markets and enormous opportunities for the countries that take advantage. We can continue to invest in American manufacturing and competitiveness, and reap the benefits of jobs and economic growth that come with it – or sit back and see the gains go to rivals like China.

“President Trump talks a lot about ‘energy dominance.’ What Americans want is energy abundance, energy security, and energy affordability – goals that are best delivered not by doubling down on fossil fuels but by investing in clean energy sources like wind and solar, battery storage, nuclear power, geothermal, clean hydrogen, carbon capture, and innovative technologies to come.

“Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change is an unforced error that will cede leadership and influence to China, undermine American competitiveness, and relegate the U.S. to the sidelines with countries like Iran, Libya and Yemen. It is performative posturing that puts American interests last.

“The good news is that there is growing bipartisan support in Congress and around the country for policies that capitalize on the enormous opportunities in the low-carbon economy: continued investments in zero-carbon energy and clean manufacturing, permitting reforms that make it easier to build new energy infrastructure, and targeted trade and climate policies that enhance American competitiveness and level the playing field for American workers and businesses. C2ES will continue to work alongside the leading companies, including those in our business council, to advocate for well-designed policies that will spur innovation, grow our economy, and usher in a more prosperous and secure future.”

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