California households could see an extra $100 billion in energy costs by 2040 due to the Trump administration’s energy policies, according to a recent analysis from Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan think tank. The report predicts that by 2035, households may pay an average of $680 more, rising to $870 by 2040. These costs are attributed to policies that hinder renewable energy and clean transportation, alongside rising oil prices linked to global conflicts.
Robbie Orvis, senior director of modeling and analysis at Energy Innovation, warned that these policies could reduce California’s GDP by $7 billion by 2030. He emphasized that the strategies in place exacerbate the affordability crisis, diminish economic growth, and negatively impact public health.
The Trump administration defended its initiatives aimed at boosting domestic oil and gas production, but the analysis criticized the rollback of electric vehicle subsidies, attacks on California’s emissions standards, and the dismantling of programs like Solar for All. It noted that increased air pollution could lead to an additional $1.7 billion in healthcare costs for the state.
Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and executive director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, reported that air pollution could result in around 140,000 additional asthma attacks in California among children each year. She criticized the current policies as reckless, given the potential for cleaner energy solutions.
The report suggests states should enhance clean energy initiatives by improving permitting processes, optimizing the existing energy grid, and reducing construction and regulatory expenses.
