Sierra Club report: Most US power companies lag on clean power shift
A new Sierra Club assessment finds that the largest U.S. utilities have made little or no progress in replacing fossil fuels with clean energy since 2020, with over 40% of them scaling back their climate commitments after the second Trump administration began. The report gives the sector a failing grade overall, citing backtracking on emissions-reduction targets and slower-than-needed renewable buildout.
The Sierra Club's assessment of the largest U.S. utilities shows that since 2020, most have made little or no headway in shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy. More than 40% of these companies have pulled back on their climate commitments following the start of the second Trump administration.
The report gives the sector a failing grade overall, citing both the reversal of emissions-reduction targets and a renewable buildout pace that lags what is required. This indicates the industry's current trajectory is moving away from, rather than toward, the clean power transition.
This report could shape how consumers, investors, and state regulators view utility accountability on climate issues. Ratepayers may face uncertainty as companies waver on long-term energy plans, potentially affecting pricing and grid reliability. Communities dependent on fossil fuel employment could see mixed signals, while clean energy advocates may use these findings to press for stronger oversight and renewable mandates at the state level.