RIPTON, Vermont — Bill McKibben, a seasoned climate activist, has found new optimism despite recent setbacks in U.S. environmental policies. On a chilly day, he installed his fourth set of solar panels at his home, a sunny feature that has helped power his home affordably for 25 years. McKibben believes that rising electricity costs will impact voters significantly, particularly in the upcoming elections.
While the Trump administration has pushed for fossil fuels, past administrations under Obama and Biden had championed renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Recently, the Trump administration froze five significant offshore wind projects, but a court allowed three to proceed, hinting at an ongoing conflict between renewable energy advocates and traditional energy supporters.
Electricity prices in the U.S. have seen a notable increase. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the average cost per kilowatt-hour climbed from 15.94 cents when Trump took office in January 2025, to 18.07 cents by September, before easing slightly to 17.98 cents in October. That’s a 12.8% jump in under a year—significantly sharper than the increases seen in the previous two years. States like Maryland and New Jersey have experienced even steeper rises, with costs soaring at three times the national average.
Democrats have pinpointed Trump’s anti-renewable energy stance as a primary reason for these price hikes. In a recent news conference, Illinois Rep. Sean Casten criticized Trump for limiting access to affordable energy, while Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz highlighted how energy bills have risen under Trump’s administration. These viewpoints resonate with many voters, especially as they feel the impacts of inflation first-hand.
On the global stage, renewable energy is becoming increasingly affordable. The United Nations reports that wind and solar are now cheaper than fossil fuels in many regions. China, leading the charge in renewable technology, has even surpassed Tesla in electric vehicle sales. As McKibben pointed out, “We can’t economically compete in a world where China has access to cheaper energy.”
In his Vermont home, McKibben has made a significant personal investment in renewables, turning his residence into what he calls a “museum of solar technology.” The latest panels he installed are designed for easy setup and have gained popularity in Europe and Australia, where regulations make solar adoption smoother. “Americans deal with a complicated permitting process that others don’t face,” he explained.
McKibben highlighted that in Australia, many households can access three hours of free electricity daily due to widespread solar panel installation—a concept that many Americans would no doubt appreciate. “I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want three free hours of electricity,” he said.
This dynamic conversation around renewable energy, rising costs, and political motivations shows that how we approach energy will significantly influence upcoming elections and daily lives in the U.S.
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Associated Press, AP Politics, AP Climate and environment, AP U.S. news, AP Business
