Political Malpractice: The Risks of Trump Undoing Biden's Climate Projects

The incoming Trump administration's potential decision to reverse Biden's climate-geared projects could have significant economic and political implications, according to outgoing U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. In an interview with CNBC at the COP29 U.N. climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Granholm warned that such a move would be "political malpractice," as it could disrupt job creation and manufacturing growth in Republican-led districts.

Granholm noted that around 80% of the funding from Biden's legacy bills, including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, went to districts represented by Republican leadership. These projects, which include building batteries for electric vehicles, vehicles, offshore wind turbines, and solar panels, create factories and jobs in these districts. Undoing these projects could lead to job losses and economic disruption in areas governed by Trump's own party.

Moreover, a reversal of Biden's climate projects could have broader economic and geopolitical consequences. The U.S. is already the world's largest crude oil producer, averaging 12.9 million barrels per day in 2023. However, ignoring climate change risks sacrificing Washington's position as a frontrunner in the blooming decarbonization industry. This could lead to a loss of global influence and ceding economic territory to competitors like China, which has an aggressive clean energy strategy.

The potential economic consequences of a U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement under Trump's second term are also significant. A 2021 study by the Rhodium Group found that a U.S. exit could lead to a $250 billion loss in GDP by 2050, with job losses in clean energy sectors. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that the U.S. is already the world's largest crude oil producer, averaging 12.9 million barrels per day in 2023. However, ignoring climate change risks ceding economic territory to competitors like China, which has an economic strategy focused on the blooming decarbonization industry.



Despite these potential setbacks, the clean energy transition has gained momentum, with private sector leaders committed to charging ahead. Elon Musk's appointment to Trump's entourage may also provide support for climate-focused initiatives. Investors should monitor these developments and consider the long-term implications for U.S. competitiveness in the clean energy industry.

In conclusion, a reversal of Biden's climate projects by a Trump administration could have significant economic and political implications. The disruption of job creation and manufacturing growth in Republican-led districts, as well as the potential loss of global influence and economic territory to competitors like China, highlight the risks of such a move. As the U.S. braces for the possibility of a second U.S. exit from the Paris Agreement, investors and policymakers alike should consider the long-term consequences of these decisions on the U.S. economy and geopolitical standing.