Research | Policy Briefs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

What Chambers & EDOs Need to Know

The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes sweeping changes to U.S. energy policy — but instead of strengthening America’s energy future, it adds barriers that will slow or stop many clean energy projects just when communities and businesses need every electron on the grid to meet rising energy demand. 

Solar and wind are the least expensive generation sources and the fastest to build. Chambers and economic development organizations (EDOs) play a key role in securing these energy and economic opportunities for their regions and ensuring our national economy thrives.

More Red Tape → Fewer Energy Projects

  • New restrictions, delays, and drawn-out approvals for solar, wind, and storage projects mean more red tape and fewer projects get built.

  • The U.S. shouldn’t be picking winners and losers when it comes to new generation sources.

Fewer Projects → Lost Jobs & Revenue

  • Blocking clean energy and the associated supply chain means:

- Up to 770,000 jobs lost by 2030

- Less tax revenue for local governments

- Lost lease income for landowners

- Fewer customers for project-area businesses

Rising Demand + Fewer Solutions → Higher Costs

  • Energy demand is surging from new factories, data centers, and electrification.

  • OBBBA creates a supply gap: 300 GW less clean energy capacity by 2035

  • Wholesale electricity prices could rise by 19% by 2030 and 61% by 2035.

  • Households could pay $160 more annually, reducing local spending power.

Shrinking GDP → Weakened Economic Competitiveness

  • Lost growth could reach $130 billion per year by 2030—$960 billion total losses by 2035

  • Regions without affordable, reliable power risk losing future investments

What Chambers & EDOs Can Do

  • Stay Informed: Track how federal and local policies shape your region’s energy future. Reach out to CICE with questions or to discuss impacts.

  • Educate: Help businesses and community leaders connect the dots between energy policy, jobs, and local competitiveness.

  • Speak Up: Support fair, predictable policies that allow good projects to move forward.

  • Champion Smart Growth: Keep your region open for clean energy investment, jobs, and supply chain growth.

Data Source: energyinnovation.org