State governments still have the power to make a difference. Photo: Ike Hayman, US Government.
When Trump took office exactly one year ago, he wasted no time launching his attack on everyday families, neighborhoods, and small businesses.
On day one, he issued 26 executive orders. And it didn’t stop there. Ever since, his administration has waged an all-out war on states that dare to challenge the onslaught of executive orders and rollbacks, take a stand on clean energy, and protect their communities.
While today marks Trump’s inauguration anniversary, it also marks a full year of states fighting back against his administration’s disregard for health, finances, and the environment. Here’s how New England state leaders stepped up – and how you helped push them forward.
States Sued the Administration
When Trump revoked critical policies to cut toxic pollution and protect families and businesses, states didn’t hold back. After Trump’s EPA rescinded permission for states to enact stronger tailpipe pollution standards than the federal government, state attorneys general from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut joined California in a lawsuit against the administration. When Trump issued a halt to all offshore wind permitting, 17 states and Washington, D.C., banded together to sue – and won, with a judge formally ending his moratorium.
CLF has been active in many of these lawsuits, whether by submitting a “friend of the court” brief or joining as legal counsel. For example, we’re participating in defending the newly enacted climate superfund law in Vermont, which requires fossil fuel companies to contribute to the cost of recovery from extreme weather. And we’re pushing the federal government to reinstate critical funding for the “Solar for All” program, which aims to help low-income communities build out clean, renewable solar power.
States Worked Together to Protect Climate Programs
In the wake of Trump’s sweeping attacks on clean energy, states have been left to defend their existing initiatives and launch new ones without federal funding.
Across New England, several states are stepping up. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have joined forces to commit to deploying more than 500,000 heat pumps in the coming years, supported by 2024 EPA funding. This clean technology is essential to helping families end their use of polluting gas for heat.
In Massachusetts, the Department of Fish and Game’s Environmental Justice Program released its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, outlining efforts to expand the agency’s work by improving language access, deepening community engagement, strengthening food security, and building stronger partnerships with Indigenous peoples and Tribes. The state is also investing $46 million through fiscal year 2027 to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure and accelerate the transition to clean transportation – actions that CLF has pushed to move forward.
Further north, Maine is advancing plans for major wind development in Aroostook County. The project aims to generate 1,200 megawatts of renewable power and connect it to the New England grid via a new transmission line.
And we’re seeing offshore wind ready to start delivering energy to New England’s homes and businesses imminently – which will reduce electricity costs and keep our energy supply more reliable.
These examples highlight how states are forging ahead making substantial clean‑energy progress despite the administration’s attempts to leave us tied to polluting, outdated fossil fuels.
These Wins Are Our Sign to Keep Fighting Back
None of this progress would have been possible without you. You showed up to tell your state leaders that every New Englander deserves better – and that our leaders have a responsibility to the people they represent.
These wins serve as a reminder that the fight is possible, but that we must keep showing up. Because without our voices, decision makers can succumb to Trump’s pressure. For example, in Massachusetts, lawmakers recently considered a proposal that would gut the state’s landmark law aimed at cutting climate-damaging emissions. CLF supporters and others demanded more clean, affordable energy and cuts to carbon pollution. Because you stepped up and said “no” loud and clear, we stopped the bill from getting rushed to vote. Yet, it’s a reminder that even our most dedicated leaders can backslide.
As we prepare for another year of the Trump administration, we’re confident we’ll see more senseless rollbacks. But states have the power to push back – and you have the power to convince them to do so.
