50 States of Power Decarbonization Q2 2025: States Restrict Plant Retirements and Investigate Emerging Energy Sources
Raleigh, NC – (August 13, 2025) The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) released its Q2 2025 edition of the 50 States of Power Decarbonization. The quarterly series provides updates on state and utility actions pertaining to clean energy targets, emission reduction targets and carbon policies, generation planning and procurement rules, integrated resource plans, and electric generation capacity changes (RFPs, green tariffs, power plant retirements, etc.).
The Q2 2025 report finds that 48 states, as well as Puerto Rico, took a total of 393 actions related to electric power decarbonization and resource planning during the quarter (see figure below), in addition to 317 introduced bills that have not yet passed a legislative chamber.
Among integrated resource plans recently filed or under review by regulators in Q2 2025, planned capacity additions totaled 118,262 MW for solar, 98,317 MW for natural gas, 50,117 MW for wind, and 47,258 MW for storage, while planned coal retirements totaled 44,286 MW.
Q2 2025 Action on Power Decarbonization and Resource Planning
The report discusses three trends in power decarbonization actions taken in Q2 2025: (1) lawmakers imposing conditions on electric generation facility retirements; (2) states researching the effect of large load customers on the grid; and (3) legislators spurring investigations into advanced nuclear and geothermal energy.
“With data centers and other large loads projected to make up a significant share of new electricity demand, several states are now examining how this development will affect energy consumption and exploring ways to efficiently integrate these facilities into the grid,” observed Justin Lindemann, Senior Policy Analyst at NCCETC. “Many states have also begun adopting or updating tariffs to limit cost-shifting, require financial assurances, and support a reliable and resilient grid.”
The report notes the top five policy developments of Q2 2025 were:
- Connecticut lawmakers lowering the renewable portfolio standard and expanding emission targets;
- Arkansas and Ohio policymakers restricting electric generation requirements;
- Minnesota and Missouri legislators adopting tariff requirements for large load customers;
- Maine lawmakers establishing a clean energy target and amending renewables requirements; and
- The Governor of Indiana signing an executive order prohibiting agency-led climate policies.
“As the demand for new capacity continues to grow, many states are looking beyond traditionally-considered clean energy sources like solar and wind,” noted Emily Apadula, Policy Analyst at NCCETC. “This quarter, legislatures showed an increased interest in both geothermal and advanced nuclear as possible energy sources, mandating investigations and task forces for both types of technologies.”
View the 50 States of Power Decarbonization Q2 2025 Quarterly Report Executive Summary
View and Purchase the 50 States of Power Decarbonization Q2 2025 Quarterly Report
ABOUT THE NC CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.
Media Contact: Shannon Helm, NCCETC, shannon_helm@ncsu.edu