US Renewable Energy Hits Record Highs Despite Federal Policy Rollbacks

In Utah, solar generation eclipsed all other power sources in May, producing nearly 1 terawatt-hour—enough to supply roughly 90,000 homes for a year. California achieved a more striking benchmark, with solar accounting for 51% of its total electricity production for the month. Across the country, solar and wind combined provided the majority of power in seven states, while contributing more than 30% of the energy mix in 20 states.

These gains arrive as the Trump administration actively pushes a pro-fossil fuel agenda, including the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which mandates new oil and gas leasing and imposes fees on renewable development. Despite these legislative headwinds, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that 51% of all new utility-scale electricity generation this year will come from solar. Experts suggest the industry has reached a critical threshold, with Logan Mitchell of Utah Clean Energy noting that wind and solar are currently on a record-breaking trajectory.