Clean Energy Crosses the Political Aisle

US states’ embrace of solar and wind energy spans the political spectrum, leading to significant levels of clean generation nationwide. In 2023, solar and wind met 22 percent of blue states’ demand for electricity and 17 percent in red states, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Clean energy passed a major milestone last year. For the first time wind and solar produced more electricity than coal in the United States. Recent analysis shows that in 2024, wind and solar met 17 percent of total US demand, while coal supplied 15 percent. Coal power peaked in 1990, when it supplied over half of total electricity.

Overall US renewable power output has risen sharply since 2000, propelled by a mix of falling costs and supportive policy. While related federal incentives have ebbed and flowed in that period, state-level investment has been steadier. Early embrace of renewables by community leaders (especially those in rural areas), businesses, and political officials, combined with states’ economic development efforts have laid a durable foundation.

Market trends have accelerated the shift. Over the past decade, the costs of deploying wind and solar have fallen by 70–90 percent. Wind and solar are now often cheaper to deploy than coal, gas, or oil. In red states with highly competitive wholesale power markets — such as South Dakota, Iowa, and Texas — renewables’ price advantage has been a key catalyst in their rapid growth.

Cheaper generation means cheaper energy. While many factors go into the final price consumers pay (for example, expenses such as wildfire mitigation can increase prices), renewables can help lower consumers’ costs. In Texas, for example, renewables supply 35 percent of overall power. The state’s consumers and businesses are saving $20 million per day thanks to wind and solar, as compared to fossil-fuel based generation.

Renewable energy also brings jobs, follow-on economic development opportunities, price stability, and other benefits. Fewer coal- and gas-burning power plants also means healthier air, which can cut health costs by reducing asthma and cancer, especially in populations that live close to power plants.