Democrats plan to challenge Trump’s fossil fuel agenda and push clean energy to lower bills

Democrats plan to use their new majorities in Congress to challenge President Donald Trump’s support for fossil fuels and promote clean energy, arguing it can help bring down energy costs. They can hold hearings and investigate the administration’s cancellation of clean energy grants and projects, but major legislative changes will need Republican backing because Democrats cannot override a presidential veto.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse says Trump’s actions have increased costs for taxpayers, while clean energy developers say the election result has encouraged them. Lower bills are not assured: prices also depend on fuel costs, demand and grid maintenance. Trump says he will veto legislation he opposes but has also said he may work with Democrats; meanwhile, the Senate is expected to vote on a permitting reform proposal that could shorten project approval times.