Named Project 2025, this project offers a glimpse into potential actions that Trump may pursue if re-elected as President.

Suggestions involve eliminating a tax credit for carbon capture – a technology favored by many Republicans as it could enable continued use of fossil fuel plants while decreasing emissions – and cutting a program that aids financially struggling nuclear reactors – a time when Republicans are promoting nuclear power as a substitute for traditional fuels like oil, gas, and coal.

This jeopardizes the efforts of numerous Republicans who have recently worked towards enhancing their party’s reputation on climate concerns by demonstrating their commitment to addressing the climate crisis.

For example, Curtis has dedicated the past three years to developing the Conservative Climate Caucus, which is now the second largest member organization in the House Republican Conference. Recognizing the role of human activity in climate change is a requirement for joining this group.

The House Climate Solutions Caucus, which had been inactive for a significant amount of time, was reinstated last year with the aim of facilitating discussions between Democrats and Republicans on addressing climate change and maintaining economic prosperity for the United States.

Republican support for a policy that would require foreign trade partners to pay tariffs on the carbon intensity of specific industrial goods is increasing at the Capitol. In addition, there has been a rise in the number of advocacy groups promoting conservative climate policies.

According to Colin Hayes, a previous staff member for the Republican Party in the Senate and current co-founder of Lot Sixteen, a company that advocates for clean energy clients, there is worry that Trump’s words could align with the truth, making it more challenging for Republicans to convey their message.

According to Hayes, individuals working on renewable energy projects are feeling heightened anxiety about the possibility of a Trump victory in November. They are uncertain about what to anticipate in that scenario.

Leaning into the ‘battle’

With the narrow majority held by the House GOP, the group of climate-conscious Republicans led by Curtis and others has significant influence and could maintain it in the future.

During October, a group of Republican members from New York played a role in the failure of Rep. Jim Jordan’s (R-Ohio) bid to become the next speaker, in part due to Jordan’s track record of voting against providing funding for natural disasters.

Shortly after, a collection of Republican lawmakers defeated multiple amendments to spending bills that aimed to reduce energy efficiency initiatives. This triumph motivated leaders of the Conservative Climate Caucus to explore alternative methods of utilizing their influence.

Currently, Republican members of Congress are focused on developing climate policies and intend to disregard any distractions while maintaining their current messaging on the matter.

Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), who serves as vice chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus and recently became chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials, believes that most of our conference now recognizes the importance of addressing climate change.

Carter stated, “I cannot predict President Trump’s actions, but I believe that would be the approach for Congressional Republicans.”

In 2022, Hyundai started construction in Carter’s area to construct a factory for producing electric vehicles. This investment of $7.6 billion will result in over 8,000 job opportunities, and the company has credited the IRA for making it possible.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, has built his reputation on being a moderate and often diverges from his party on matters concerning climate change. He stated, “There should be space within both parties for varying perspectives.”

My colleagues in the Democratic party face a challenge when their nominees make statements that they don’t agree with, just as I do. Everyone is responsible for their own words and beliefs.

Representative Marc Molinaro, a Republican from New York, is expected to have a highly contested race in the House. He did not seem concerned about potential political ramifications of President Trump’s stance on environmental issues.

“There are many conservative leaders who recognize the importance of addressing climate change in order to promote climate resilience and prioritize natural resource conservation. This effort will continue,” he stated. “I am confident that we can persuade others to adopt intelligent conservation policies.”

Ultimately, it may be left to individual members of the Republican party to determine their own path and distinguish themselves from Trump.

During his time as House minority leader, McCarthy, a Republican from California, led a team to devise an energy plan that would ultimately be included in the GOP’s 2022 platform for regaining control of the House. He is recognized for paving the way for his party to distance themselves from denying climate science.

Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.), whom McCarthy put in charge of that 2022 task force, said new Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) won’t be following that example.

The speaker expressed that the Republican party has lost a progressive leader with the departure of McCarthy. They doubt that any of the current leaders, such as Johnson, Emmer, or Scalise, will take up the same cause and lead on it.

According to Graves, it would be a major error for Republicans to abandon or surrender in this battle. The evidence and scientific research strongly support our side, and I believe we should actively engage in this fight.

The Republican party has consistently referenced data indicating that the United States produces cleaner energy compared to other countries and that our domestic greenhouse gas emissions have decreased as a result.

The Republican party also often promotes innovation as the answer to addressing climate change instead of implementing climate regulations and transitioning the economy away from fossil fuels, as the Democrats suggest.

been pushing for the federal government to take more aggressive action on climate change, have been disappointed with the progress made so far

Environmental organizations and advocates for renewable energy, who have been advocating for the government to enact stronger measures against climate change, have expressed disappointment with the current level of progress.largely stayed out

During the presidential primaries, this strategy has gained backing, but those concerned with the environment have deemed it inadequate in addressing the severity of the issue.

‘Mixed bag’

Johnson did not provide a comment on whether he plans to create a similar platform before the 2024 elections.

According to Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), who serves as the chair of the House Natural Resources Committee and has a background in forestry, there are currently no official plans being developed that he is aware of.

However, he emphasized the significance of spreading our message about true conservation.

Westerman, in an interview with POLITICO’s E&E News, stated that he was not aware of Trump’s statements on the matter.

When questioned about the impact of Trump’s stance on climate change on the Republican Party’s message, Graves stated that while the former president has made remarks against addressing climate change, his policies on environmental issues are strong.

Many other members of the Republican party are also optimistic about Trump’s accomplishments.

Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), expressed that she believes there is agreement between parties. She stated that effective energy policies will also benefit the climate. She also noted that America’s independence in energy production and advancement in energy solutions will have a positive impact on the climate.

Quill Robinson, a senior adviser at ConservAmerica, a group seeking to get conservatives to back environmental policies, agreed it was worthwhile to distinguish between rhetoric and actual policy proposals when it comes to parsing Trump’s positions.

Robinson stated that President Biden presents the Inflation Reduction Act as a means to revive American manufacturing, decrease dependence on China, and combat climate change. President Trump agrees with the first two goals, as they have always been his main concerns. It is important to understand the nuances and substantial distinctions between their approaches. The main focus should be on the impact of their policies.

According to Heather Reams, president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Republicans are more concerned about pollution rather than the source of energy.

I believe that President Trump shares some common ground with us, though not entirely, which I think we can certainly collaborate on.

According to Reams, Trump’s measures against China could have a positive impact on the clean energy industry by promoting the development of domestic manufacturing. This could result in the production of goods with reduced carbon footprints.

Hayes, from Lot Sixteen, forecasted that Trump might relax restrictions on eligibility for utilizing the IRA’s hydrogen tax credits. Certain opponents of the Biden administration’s interpretation, including climate advocates, have expressed concerns that the instructions are too strict and could impede efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

According to him, Trump’s actions could potentially open up federal lands that are currently safeguarded against non-conservation activities. This is concerning for environmentalists who oppose the expansion of oil and gas development, but it is seen as a favorable decision for those interested in constructing renewable energy projects.

Hayes stated that he is not advocating for a Trump presidency to benefit clean energy. However, he acknowledges that there is more complexity to the issue than many people realize and it is not a black and white situation.

This report was initially published on E&E News’ Climatewire.

Gain access to more comprehensive and detailed reports.

E&E News covers topics such as the energy transition, natural resources, climate change, and other related issues.