Some Democrats pledge clean energy push to cut bills as Trump vows vetoes

Some Democrats say they will push for more clean energy to ease rising energy costs once they take control of Congress in January. They won majorities in both the House and Senate in the midterm elections. Democrats can open investigations and hearings into climate rollbacks and canceled green energy grants, and may try to restore renewable incentives.

After Tuesday's election, Trump said Democrats will send "things that are insane," and that he will veto them, speaking generally about legislation. He told Fox News that after "a couple of months of vetoes" he and Democrats will find ways to work together. Democrats lack the numbers to override a veto, so major changes would need Republican support.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said Trump's attacks on clean energy drove up prices for taxpayers. The White House said Trump is willing to work with anyone on affordable, reliable energy. Democrats are also targeting healthcare access, trade tariffs and the Iran war.

David Victor, a University of California, San Diego professor, largely expects a federal stalemate. Leah Stokes, a political scientist, says states could take a great deal of climate action after Democrats' governor victories in states including Texas and Georgia.

For household energy bills, the Associated Press reports that Trump's war with Iran and other policies raised prices for gasoline, diesel and electricity. Some Democrats plan to push for more clean energy to ease rising energy costs, but major changes would need Republican support. Even then, lower bills are not guaranteed, since prices also depend on fuel costs, demand and grid upkeep.