The election of Donald Trump in November prompted familiar conversations about how states would need to take up the mantle of moving the country forward on renewable energy, electric transportation and related issues.

I spoke with policy experts, clean energy advocates and analysts to get an idea of what to watch for in 2025 on the state level. Here is some of what they told me, plus my own observations.

California Will Be Busy and Chaotic

With a 2018 law, California was one of the first states to require a transition to 100 percent carbon-free energy.

Now the state is deep in the process of making the transition. California needs to find ways to ease permitting of renewable energy projects, and it needs to strengthen the grid. 

“California will continue to be a hotbed of activity,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar & Storage Association.

Her organization’s members include rooftop solar companies whose people remain upset about state rules that took effect in 2023, reducing some of the financial benefits of owning solar. Company officials say the rules have done damage to their industry, undermining the state’s ability to meet its climate and energy goals. The industry is pushing for legislative or regulatory action to address those concerns.

Another topic likely to be on the agenda is the Pathways Initiative, a partnership between California and other Western states that would create a regional electricity market that is larger than what now exists. A larger market may expand opportunities for developing renewable energy projects.

The California State Legislature could take action to move this process forward, said Amisha Rai, senior vice president for advocacy for Advanced Energy United, a clean energy trade group.

“There has been a significant effort to get key stakeholders and states on the same page around what is needed to support the Western grid,” she said.

California has some of the highest electricity prices in the country, which is likely to be part of the conversation for any changes in energy policy. Lawmakers will need to talk about how any actions will affect beleaguered ratepayers. 

The state is poised to lead the opposition to Trump’s energy agenda, in the form of new proposals and a defense of rules or laws that already exist. For example, the Trump administration is likely to fight the state’s ability to set its own standards for tailpipe emissions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom may run for president in 2028 and will not shrink from opportunities to show contrast with Trump.

Texas, Texas, Texas

When asked which states to watch closely in 2025, Rai said, “Texas, Texas, Texas.”

Her organization views Texas as ripe with opportunity, positive and negative.

On one hand, the state is the national leader in electricity generation from renewable sources, and its renewable energy economy is growing at a rapid pace. On the other hand, fossil fuel companies are a strong political force and they may flex their muscles in the 2025 legislative session to try to limit growth in renewable energy.

Texas has a Republican trifecta, and many of its leaders have deep ties to the oil and gas industry.

But Rai said she has been encouraged by conversations with Texas lawmakers from both parties. She thinks renewable energy has been a big business in Texas for long enough that there is growing awareness of its economic benefits and its value in making the grid more reliable.