**Trump's Potential Second Term Could Unwind U.S. Climate Policies, Experts Warn**

WASHINGTON - Climate solutions experts are raising concerns that the potential second election of Donald Trump as president, paired with a Republican takeover of the U.S. Senate, could unravel critical national climate policies that are currently reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These experts point out that the policies making the most significant impact are the very ones Trump has announced plans to dismantle. The timing of these potential rollbacks is especially critical, as extreme weather events like heat waves and costly hurricanes increasingly affect the United States. Internationally, nations are preparing for climate negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, amidst mounting climate pollution and insufficient global action.

One pivotal piece of legislation is projected to slash U.S. emissions by approximately 40% by 2030, provided it continues to be implemented as designed. This law allocates funds to initiatives that replace fossil fuels with clean energy. Notably, it provides credits to entrepreneurs establishing new solar and wind farms, and also supports geothermal energy developers and businesses that capture and store carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, it promotes the next generation of nuclear energy and offers a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicle purchasers, including those buying used cars under certain income thresholds.

Trump, however, has advocated an energy agenda summed up as "drill, baby, drill." He has committed to dismantling what he describes as the Democrats' "green new scam" in favor of ramping up fossil fuel production, including oil, natural gas, and coal. He has also vowed to terminate subsidies for wind power outlined in the 2022 climate law.

Despite Trump's opposition, certain provisions in the climate law may still stand. David Shepheard, partner and energy expert at Baringa, believes that credits for advanced manufacturing companies could remain intact as they align with a pro-U.S. business perspective. However, incentives for electric vehicles are seen as particularly vulnerable.

Scott Segal, leader of a communications group at Bracewell LLP, a law firm representing the energy sector, expressed doubts that the climate law would be entirely repealed. Additionally, Dan Jasper, senior policy advisor at Project Drawdown, warned that repealing aspects of the climate law could backfire, noting that many investments and jobs created by the law are in Republican districts.

Another significant concern is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rule aimed at cutting emissions from coal-burning power plants. Announced in April, the regulation would require many coal plants to capture 90% of their carbon emissions or face shutdown within eight years. Projected to reduce around 1.38 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2047, the rule is now facing legal challenges from industry groups and Republican-led states, threats likely to be exacerbated by a Trump administration that may not defend the rule.

Stanford University climate scientist Rob Jackson highlighted that U.S. carbon dioxide emissions have been primarily decreasing by replacing coal-fired power plants with renewable energy sources. "I hope that we don't lose sight of the benefits of clean energy," he said. "It's not just about the climate. It's about our lives and our health."

The Biden administration has been under pressure to address methane emissions, a significant driver of climate change, which often leaks from oil and gas equipment. Regulation of such emissions has been a crucial part of efforts to mitigate environmental impacts like droughts, heat waves, flooding, and severe hurricanes.