The U.S. Energy Secretary has called for an end to perpetual subsidies for solar and wind energy, arguing that these incentives have failed to deliver on their promises of lower costs and increased reliability. Speaking on June 28, 2025, the Secretary highlighted the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (REPTC), introduced in 1992 and extended 12 times since, as a prime example of wasteful spending. Despite these subsidies, average home electricity bills have risen since 1992, even after adjusting for inflation.

During a peak demand event on Inauguration Day, solar and wind contributed just 3% and 1% respectively to the PJM Interconnection grid, which serves the Mid-Atlantic region. In contrast, coal, natural gas, and nuclear provided 93% of the power, underscoring the reliability gap between intermittent renewables and baseload energy sources. The Secretary emphasized that subsidies for wind and solar force providers to invest in additional dispatchable resources, driving up costs for ratepayers.

The proposed One Big Beautiful Bill seeks to eliminate green tax credits, including those under the Inflation Reduction Act, and redirect investments toward reliable energy infrastructure. The Secretary argued that if solar and wind are economically viable, they should compete without taxpayer support. Critics, however, warn that abrupt subsidy cuts could destabilize the renewable energy market and slow the transition to cleaner energy.