Clean Energy Canada | Not even Trump can stop the clean energy transition
November 6, 2024

TORONTO — Mark Zacharias, executive director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the results of the U.S. presidential election:

“President-elect Trump has made it clear that his government will withdraw support for clean industries while expanding oil and gas production, offering up four years of uncertainty for the country’s massive, growing clean energy sector.

“Canadians must remember, however, that the U.S. is but one of many countries transitioning their energy systems, and its decisions will not alter the direction of the wider global community. The world’s biggest economies, from China to the EU, are innovating at an extraordinary pace, building and driving increasingly affordable electric cars, expanding their clean power grids, and supercharging their sustainable industries.

“Despite the impending dearth of U.S. federal climate leadership, many states will continue on their clean economic path—like California, New York, and Washington, all of which have enacted strong climate policies, from clean electricity standards to EV sales mandates (state-level EV sales mandates cover 40% of the U.S. market). Canada will remain in good company. 

“While it is disappointing to see the Trump administration’s intent to pull America back into a bygone era of costly fossil fuel dependence, the U.S.’s delay provides a window for the country’s clean economic competitors to cement their foothold in the global market. Indeed, if America’s incoming government makes good on its promises to end federal support for the energy transition, Canada should leverage its advantages in key competing sectors. This includes battery supply chain investments, from critical minerals to battery cells to EV assembly to recycling. In fact, Canada was recently ranked first in the world for its battery supply chain potential.

“Indeed, Canada’s clean investments and policies—from rebates for EVs and heat pumps to our clean electricity regulations and investments in clean supply chains—will be key to sharpening this competitive advantage, ensuring Canadians continue to reap the rewards of the energy transition. In fact, a recent Clean Energy Canada report found that households can save more than $500 a month by switching to EVs and heat pumps but that government support is key to keeping upfront cost barriers low.

“As we enter another era of weak U.S. climate leadership, maintaining Canada’s course on the energy transition has never been more crucial. This transition is happening, whether President-elect Trump believes it or not, and it’s vital that we stay focused on the future. No one wins a race by going backward.” 

RESOURCES

Report | Opening the Door

Calculator |   

Report | A Pivotal Moment