Democrats achieved significant victories in this week’s midterm elections, securing complete control of state government—both legislative chambers and the governor’s office—in six states. Three of those states stand out for their potential impact on clean energy policy: Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, which have spent years under Republican or divided control and have made limited progress on climate initiatives.
In Wisconsin, Democrats hold their first trifecta since 2010, presenting an opportunity to modernize the state’s clean energy standards. The state currently operates under a renewable electricity standard set more than two decades ago that it has already exceeded, but it has not established new targets. Unlike neighboring Michigan and Minnesota, which have mandated 100 percent clean electricity by 2040, Wisconsin lacks ambitious goals. Policy advocates expect the new Democratic legislature to pursue achievable near-term measures, such as requiring utilities to plan future power generation, which could encourage renewable energy development. A proposed mandate for data centers to use clean energy sources, which failed to advance previously, is also expected to gain traction. Broader ambitions include establishing a statewide 100 percent clean electricity standard.
Pennsylvania presents perhaps the most dramatic shift. The state Senate has historically blocked climate legislation despite Democratic control of the lower chamber. The state’s substantial natural gas and coal industries complicated legislative consensus on clean energy measures. With Democrats now holding a trifecta for the first time since 1993, lawmakers anticipate advancing a comprehensive climate agenda. Proposals include appliance efficiency standards, community solar expansion, and funding for mass transit systems. Governor Josh Shapiro has indicated willingness to support at least some measures, including a potential state-level carbon pricing system to replace the regional initiative the state previously exited.
Arizona completes the trio of newly Democratic-controlled states positioned to reshape their energy landscapes. Together, these three states represent a significant portion of American emissions and could fundamentally alter the clean energy trajectory across the country.
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