E2 Report: Policy Uncertainty Costs America $24 Billion in Clean Energy Investment

New data from E2 reveals the steep price of policy instability: nearly $24 billion in abandoned clean energy projects and 21,000 lost jobs in 2025 alone. The latest report from the national nonprofit reveals how federal policy rollbacks are dismantling one of America's fastest-growing industries.

Chambers and economic development leaders across the country are seeing critical clean energy projects face delays and uncertainty. Multi-million-dollar projects nationwide are at risk from funding cuts and tax credit rollbacks, and without predictable policies, communities may miss opportunities for job creation, investment, and stronger regional economies. 

States with Significant Cancellations

The cancellations span the nation, according to “E2’s Clean Economy Works | September 2025 Analysis,” with several states facing severe losses:

• Arizona cancelled five projects worth $1.8 billion.

• Georgia follows with $3.4 billion lost from four major projects.

• Illinois saw three projects cancelled, totaling $3.3 billion.

• Indiana lost $2.2 billion.

• Michigan leads with nearly $4.5 billion in lost investment across nine cancelled projects, including battery manufacturing and EV production facilities. 

• New York lost $3 billion in planned investment.

• North Carolina lost a $1.4 billion Natron Energy battery manufacturing facility that would have created 1,062 jobs. 

• South Carolina lost $1.7 billion. 

The Domino Effect

Battery storage and electric vehicle manufacturing account for 32 of the 42 cancelled projects, representing $19.2 billion and 18,700 jobs lost. Major companies like General Motors, Natron Energy, and Stellantis have either downsized operations or abandoned plans.

The cancellations accelerated after Congress rolled back energy tax credits in July 2025, followed by the Department of Energy withdrawing approximately $8 billion in federal grants supporting over 200 projects. The combined impact has been devastating: businesses cannot plan long-term investments when foundational policies shift beneath them. Many additional DOE grant cancellations, totaling billions for manufacturing and other projects, remain uncertain.

Chambers Take Up the Call to Action

Chambers of commerce across the country are taking the lead in advocating for strong policy to harness the benefits of the clean energy economy and a call for certainty. These organizations are uniquely positioned to drive support for clean energy projects in their communities and balanced clean energy public policy at all levels of government. 

Last week, CICE joined chamber of commerce and economic development leaders from across the U.S. to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. They discussed:

• Permitting reform;

• Business uncertainty for the clean energy sector due to DOE cancellations and shifts in incentives and regulatory/compliance rules; and

• A technology-neutral approach to support job creation, economic development, and reliable energy infrastructure that meets America's growing needs.

CICE offers credible information, expertise, and peer learnings to help them make the business and economic case for clean energy. Check out Energizing Economies, a national campaign that builds business community support for utility-scale clean energy projects, and CICE’s Public Policy Briefs, including Principles for State Clean Energy Permitting and Siting and Data Centers: Balancing Economic Benefits and Resource Demands.