President-elect Donald Trump’s return to office could challenge New Jersey’s plan to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035.

Trump has criticized renewable energy efforts, vowing to cut funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and halt offshore wind projects, citing disputed claims about their impact on marine life.

Governor Phil Murphy, a strong supporter of clean energy, is emphasizing the economic benefits of renewable projects, including job creation and energy independence. Murphy has called the push for renewables “smart energy policy” and urged Trump to view it through an economic lens rather than a political one.

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Republican control of Congress may complicate efforts to repeal the IRA, which has funneled funds into clean energy projects across the country, including in GOP-led states. However, Trump could still delay projects by tightening federal permitting rules for wind and solar developments on public lands according to New Jersey Monitor.

Some environmental advocates note that the lengthy timelines of offshore wind projects may help shield them from immediate impacts. Critics of Murphy’s policies, like State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris), argue that an all-renewable push is unrealistic given current energy infrastructure.

Murphy remains hopeful that economic arguments can protect New Jersey’s clean energy goals, calling the strategy “cold-blooded capitalism” and not just environmentalism. The state’s ability to move forward may depend on whether Trump’s administration can be convinced of the financial value of renewables.