In a rare moment of unity, Republicans and Democrats alike are finding common ground in their shared desire to keep America’s national parks open and accessible—even as broader budget battles threaten to derail other critical environmental protections. As partisan tensions escalate over funding and climate policy, our national parks remain one of the few things both sides agree are too important to lose.
“Parks are where a lot of people go to massage their spirit,” said Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, capturing the emotional and cultural value that these protected lands hold for Americans of all political stripes.
But while Congress may be united on keeping the gates to our public lands open, the behind-the-scenes story paints a much more complicated picture—especially when it comes to the future of clean energy, land conservation, and climate resilience.
At the heart of this evolving debate is H.J. Res. 105, a resolution recently passed in both the House and Senate that overturns new land-use regulations issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) earlier this year. The 2025 update to the North Dakota Field Office’s Resource Management Plan was designed to limit oil and gas drilling in areas with low production potential and restrict new coal leasing near existing mines, marking a shift toward a more sustainable approach to federal land use.
But with the passage of H.J. Res. 105, those protections have been effectively nullified—sending a clear message that fossil fuel interests are once again being prioritized over conservation, emissions reduction, and climate planning.
These moves are part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dismantle Biden-era climate and energy policies. And despite rhetoric claiming that renewables are too costly or unreliable, data from the administration’s own energy agencies tells a very different story.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, states that rely heavily on wind and solar energy tend to have lower-than-average electricity prices. In fact, 17 out of the 22 states drawing a significant share of power from renewables reported below-average energy costs in June. That includes 13 states that supported Trump in the 2024 election, debunking the notion that clean energy is an exclusively progressive priority—or an economic burden.
Yet the administration has doubled down on rolling back climate programs and clean energy investments. In early October, the Department of Energy announced the cancellation of over $7.6 billion in clean energy funding, targeting 321 projects across the country. Originally intended to support hydrogen hubs, rural energy cooperatives, research institutions, and grid modernization, these funds were slashed under the banner of eliminating what the White House calls “Green New Scam” spending.
What makes these cuts even more controversial is their bipartisan impact. Despite claims that the goal was to redirect funds away from Democratic-leaning areas, at least 28 Republican-held districts also saw their clean energy grants disappear. These included projects in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Washington—many of which had strong local support and were expected to create jobs and boost regional economies.
Some critics have raised legal concerns about the cancellations, questioning whether the administration overstepped its authority in revoking approved federal funding. Others see the move as a political strategy aimed at weakening the clean energy sector in favor of traditional fossil fuels.
Regardless of motive, the effect is clear: important progress on climate resilience and energy innovation is being stalled or reversed at a time when both are desperately needed.
As extreme weather events continue to increase in frequency and intensity, and as communities across the country face rising energy costs and infrastructure challenges, investing in clean energy is not just environmentally responsible—it’s an economic imperative.
While our national parks may remain open for now, the deeper story is unfolding beyond the hiking trails and scenic vistas. It’s happening in budget votes, regulatory rollbacks, and sweeping policy shifts that affect how we power our homes, protect our environment, and plan for the future.
New Jersey, like many other states, has committed to bold climate goals and is working to modernize its energy systems. But federal rollbacks threaten to undermine that momentum, especially if clean energy projects are defunded or delayed. To track how national decisions continue to affect local climate initiatives and environmental protections, visit our ongoing climate coverage.
If there’s one takeaway from this political moment, it’s that public lands may be sacred ground—but the fight for a sustainable future extends far beyond them. Keeping parks open is just the start. Protecting our climate, clean air, water, and energy future requires more than symbolism—it demands action, accountability, and a commitment to science-backed solutions.
The path forward will require more than bipartisan agreement on preserving what we already have. It will require courage to protect what we still stand to lose—and vision to build a cleaner, safer, and more equitable world for generations to come.
Electric Vehicle Charging Network Surges Forward Despite Political Headwinds
In a rare instance of bipartisan progress, a major green infrastructure initiative from the Biden administration is quietly gaining traction even under the watch of a vastly different federal leadership. More than 40 U.S. states have reported making active strides to unlock federal funding for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, giving a new lease on life to a cornerstone program originally championed under President Joe Biden’s climate agenda.
Despite recent federal cutbacks and the rollback of many clean energy initiatives under the current Trump administration, the EV charging network has proven to be resilient and widely embraced across party lines. Why? Because states understand that investing in electric vehicle infrastructure isn’t just about climate—it’s about jobs, the economy, public health, and staying competitive in a rapidly shifting global auto industry.
To explore more stories about the intersection of policy and climate, and how we can all push for sustainable progress, visit our Climate section.
State-Led Momentum Builds the Backbone for the EV Future
According to updates shared with POLITICO, more than 40 states have taken formal action to access funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a federally funded effort designed to build a nationwide network of fast-charging stations along key travel corridors.
Originally launched under the Biden administration’s 2021 infrastructure law, the program was seen as critical to supporting a transition to zero-emission transportation. Though early investments were backed by climate and clean air goals, the current political climate has shifted focus toward energy independence, transportation innovation, and even geopolitical competitiveness as key selling points.
States from coast to coast—both red and blue—have recognized the opportunity, tapping into these funds to design and construct the charging networks that will power America’s transportation future.
Green Gains in a Shifting Political Landscape
President Donald Trump and his administration have publicly downplayed the importance of renewables and clean energy, frequently cutting or redirecting climate-focused funding. Yet ironically, one of the most impactful clean infrastructure programs is accelerating on his watch. The reason: the economic and technological momentum behind electric vehicles has become too strong to ignore.
Automakers around the world—including American giants like Ford and General Motors—have already committed billions toward phasing out combustion engines. At the same time, public demand for EVs continues to rise, especially as models become more affordable and accessible.
Charging infrastructure remains the linchpin to widespread adoption. Without a robust network, EVs remain impractical for many Americans. That’s why state leaders—even those skeptical of climate policy—have pushed forward, recognizing the economic and consumer benefits of this investment.
Economic Opportunity Meets Environmental Necessity
The widespread buildout of EV charging stations is also a major job creator. Construction, electrical, engineering, and tech support jobs are surging in areas where EV infrastructure is expanding. For many states, this is an opportunity to revitalize local economies while participating in the global shift toward sustainability.
Moreover, increased access to EV charging supports cleaner air, especially in urban areas where vehicle emissions are a major source of pollution. Communities of color and low-income neighborhoods—often located near highways or industrial zones—stand to benefit from the reduced air pollution that comes with electric vehicle adoption.
This intersection of climate justice and economic progress is one of the reasons why state-level momentum continues, regardless of federal rhetoric.
A Crossroads for U.S. Climate Leadership
The endurance of the EV charging network initiative highlights a critical truth: climate action doesn’t belong to one party. While political leadership may change, the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future remains a bipartisan opportunity—especially when it aligns with economic growth, public health, and national competitiveness.
As more states unlock funding and begin building the infrastructure America needs for the next century, it’s clear that this is not just a green initiative—it’s a national imperative.
To keep track of the policies, state actions, and climate strategies shaping our future, explore more in our Climate Policy Hub.
This renewed push for EV infrastructure might have begun as a climate initiative under Biden, but its ongoing success proves that smart, forward-thinking environmental policy can—and must—transcend political divisions. The road ahead may not be without obstacles, but for now, it’s being paved with promising progress—one charging station at a time.
