Weekly News Roundup (July 7–11, 2025)

 Residential Solar Tax Credit Set to Expire by Year-End

Congress has officially passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes the termination of the 30% federal residential solar tax credit effective December 31, 2025. This marks a significant policy shift for homeowners who have relied on the incentive to reduce the upfront cost of solar installations while accelerating payback periods. The bill was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, as part of a broader budget package that reprioritizes federal energy support toward fossil fuel infrastructure while pulling back from consumer-level clean energy subsidies.

The impending expiration has triggered a wave of urgency within the residential solar market. Installers are reporting a surge in inquiries and contract signings as homeowners seek to lock in the credit before it disappears, with some markets experiencing waitlists and delays due to high demand. Industry analysts anticipate that this year may see a final record-setting surge in residential solar installations, but caution that the policy change could result in a sharp decline in rooftop solar adoption in 2026 unless states or local programs step in to bridge the financial gap.

For landowners and developers, it is important to note that while residential rooftop demand may slow, utility-scale and community solar are expected to remain highly competitive, driven by underlying cost advantages and strong demand from corporate procurement and data center growth. As the residential market adjusts to the loss of the tax credit, opportunities for larger-scale projects on well-sited parcels with favorable grid access will continue to present stable revenue prospects for those positioned to capture them.

Read the full coverage at The Washington Post

2️⃣ Clean Energy Industry Faces Setbacks Amid New Legislation

The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has sent ripples through the clean energy industry, with analysts projecting a potential reduction of up to 300 gigawatts of planned clean energy capacity in the coming years. The bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, rolls back key federal incentives for wind, solar, and battery storage while expanding support for domestic fossil fuel development, including new tax credits for natural gas and oil infrastructure. Industry leaders warn this shift could undermine years of progress toward decarbonization and delay grid modernization efforts at a time when electricity demand is projected to surge due to electrification and data center expansion.

Immediate market impacts have been visible in clean energy company valuations, with shares of major solar and wind firms dropping by 3–5% in the days following the announcement. Developers are reassessing project pipelines, weighing the feasibility of sites previously modeled with federal incentive support. Meanwhile, clean energy advocacy groups are voicing concerns about job losses in the sector, noting that the rollback could stall manufacturing expansions and project construction plans that have driven local employment and tax revenue growth in many rural and suburban communities.

Despite these challenges, underlying cost competitiveness remains a bright spot for large-scale renewables. Utility-scale solar and wind continue to offer some of the lowest levelized costs of electricity in the U.S., and many corporate buyers remain committed to clean energy procurement to meet sustainability goals. However, the loss of federal incentives will require developers and landowners to focus more heavily on project siting, transmission access, and state-level policies to ensure projects remain viable and attractive to financiers.

Read the full coverage at Reuters

Executive Order Targets Renewable Energy Tax Credits

On July 8, 2025, President Trump issued a new executive order directing federal agencies to review and reduce renewable energy tax subsidies, further intensifying the headwinds facing the clean energy sector following the passage of the budget bill earlier this month. The order specifically calls for an audit of existing tax benefits for wind, solar, and battery storage, asserting that federal dollars should not “artificially prop up industries that cannot compete on their own.” This directive has introduced additional uncertainty into an already shifting policy landscape, prompting caution among developers and investors weighing new project commitments.

The market reaction was immediate. Publicly traded clean energy companies saw their stocks decline by 3% to 5% in the days following the announcement, reflecting investor concern over potential retroactive changes or future limitations on tax equity financing structures that have historically supported renewable projects. Industry analysts noted that while utility-scale renewables remain cost-competitive in many regions, the removal of these credits could lengthen payback periods and increase the cost of capital, potentially delaying or downsizing projects in development pipelines.

Despite the setback, many clean energy advocates argue that renewables are well-positioned to compete on cost alone in several markets, citing the steep decline in technology and installation costs over the past decade. However, the executive order underscores the need for project developers, landowners, and financiers to reassess timelines and risk management strategies in the current environment. With electricity demand projected to rise sharply due to the electrification of transport and industry, clean energy deployment remains essential, but navigating the shifting policy environment will require careful planning and adaptability.

Read the full coverage at Business Insider

U.S.–South Korea Trade Talks Focus on Agriculture and Technology

U.S. and South Korean trade officials held a fresh round of negotiations in Washington this week, focusing on expanding agricultural trade, addressing digital regulatory frameworks, and negotiating defense cost-sharing agreements. The discussions come at a critical time as South Korea seeks an extension of the 90-day suspension of 25% tariffs on key exports, set to expire on July 9, 2025. Both nations are working to stabilize trade flows while ensuring that domestic industries remain protected, with agriculture emerging as a central discussion point given its significance for American producers and rural economies.

For American agriculture, the potential for expanded market access in South Korea presents an opportunity for higher and more stable commodity pricing. South Korea is a significant importer of U.S. grains, beef, and specialty crops, and trade officials are exploring pathways to reduce non-tariff barriers, expedite customs clearances, and address phytosanitary standards that have historically limited certain exports. Producers in the Midwest and South are particularly attentive to these discussions, recognizing the role expanded exports can play in supporting cash flows during a period of fluctuating domestic demand and weather-driven yield variability.

The talks also touch on digital regulatory alignment, with implications for ag-tech exports, data-sharing frameworks in precision agriculture, and the broader integration of technology in supply chain management. For landowners and operators, these negotiations underscore the importance of monitoring policy developments that could enhance export opportunities while reinforcing the interconnected nature of agriculture, technology, and trade. Stakeholders are encouraged to watch for updates as the next phase of negotiations progresses, with potential policy shifts impacting planting decisions, land valuation, and investment in on-farm technology.

Read the full coverage at Reuters

Drought Conditions Worsen in the Western United States

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update, released on July 10, 2025, shows an expansion of drought and abnormal dryness across parts of the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Central Plains. Regions in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana are experiencing intensifying dryness following a period of record-high temperatures and lower-than-average precipitation. In some areas, moderate drought has expanded into cropland and grazing zones, raising concerns about water availability for irrigation during the peak of the growing season.

For agricultural producers, these conditions could affect yield forecasts, irrigation planning, and livestock grazing rotations. Water authorities are urging producers to monitor water usage closely, while some irrigation districts are adjusting delivery schedules to stretch limited resources. The evolving drought landscape may also impact planting decisions for the fall season, with producers in drought-affected areas weighing the risk of lower returns against ongoing operational costs.

Landowners in these regions are encouraged to review current water rights, conservation program opportunities, and insurance strategies as drought conditions develop. The drought’s impact on pasture quality and crop yields may also affect land valuations in areas with limited water access, while properties with senior water rights or reliable groundwater may retain premium positioning in local markets. Watching the next few weeks of precipitation patterns and USDA crop condition updates will be critical for operational and financial planning.

Read the full report at the U.S. Drought Monitor