Congress Passes the OBBB, Undermining American Energy Independence and Rural Economic Growth
For Immediate Release: July 3, 2025
Media Contact: Holly Elliott, hollye@sewind.org
Raleigh, NC - Today, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act via the budget reconciliation process, dramatically undercutting federal support for wind energy and related domestic manufacturing. This legislation accelerates the phase-out of critical tax credits for clean energy, introduces burdensome new restrictions on sourcing, and removes essential investments in grid infrastructure and domestic supply chains. By passing the OBBB, lawmakers have demonstrated clear disregard for the hundreds of thousands of people working in the wind industry, and for the communities that stand to lose millions in much-needed investment.
“Congress has sent a chilling signal to investors, manufacturers, and communities that have been working to create new economic opportunities in the Southeast and across the United States,” said Katharine Kollins, President of the Southeastern Wind Coalition. “With this bill, billions of dollars in planned investment, thousands of jobs, and our nation’s energy security have all been put at risk.”
Driven in part by previous federal legislation, wind energy is beginning to gain real traction in the Southeast, with an unprecedented number of projects under development and multiple under construction. These projects support construction and operations jobs, expand the tax base in rural communities, and generate new demand for regional manufacturing. States like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi stand to gain billions in new investment from wind energy projects and supply chain manufacturing. As passed, the OBBB Act greatly restricts the ability of those working in farming, construction, manufacturing, and shipping to take advantage of lucrative new opportunities.
By targeting specific technologies, the legislation limits the ability of power providers to meet growing energy needs. “Wind provides a significant opportunity to diversify energy generation in our region, increasing reliability and supporting increasing demand,” said Kollins. “In a time of unprecedented load growth, an ‘all-of-the-above’ strategy to achieve American energy dominance must include wind along with all readily available domestic power sources.”
Wind energy is not a partisan issue—wind is economic opportunity, energy security, and localized energy generation. As the new federal tax rules are implemented, SEWC will continue to work with state and local leaders, power providers, and communities across our region to advance wind energy as an essential part of an affordable and reliable energy mix.
About SEWC
The Southeastern Wind Coalition is a 501(c)(3) organization that works to advance the land-based and offshore wind industry in the Southeast. We focus on providing fact-based information on the economic and environmental opportunities of wind energy, and encourage solutions that result in net economic benefits to residents and ratepayers. For more information about the Southeastern Wind Coalition, visit www.sewind.org
