Publication date:
June 24, 2025
NextEra Energy CEO Calls for Measured Approach to Clean Energy Tax Credit Reform
John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, argues for a pragmatic phase-out of clean energy tax credits to ensure continued power generation capacity in the U.S.
Energy
John Ketchum, CEO of NextEra Energy, the largest electric provider in the United States, has called for a measured approach to reforming clean energy tax credits. In an opinion piece, Ketchum emphasizes the critical need for increased electricity generation to support America's technological advancement and manufacturing renaissance.
Ketchum highlights the urgent requirement for the U.S. to build 450 gigawatts of new generation capacity over the next five years - equivalent to powering 75 Miami metro areas. He argues that this massive infrastructure undertaking is crucial for maintaining American dominance on the global stage, particularly in the race for AI supremacy and job creation.
The NextEra CEO cautions against completely eliminating clean energy tax credits, stating that such a move could effectively halt America's ability to build new power plants through the end of the decade. He points out that new nuclear power plants won't be available until the mid-2030s, and traditional power plant turbines are sold out through the early 2030s. In this context, Ketchum suggests that wind, solar, and battery storage can serve as a bridge while expanding traditional power plant supply chains and workforces.
Ketchum commends the Senate Finance Committee's recent draft bill for its pragmatic approach to phasing out clean energy credits. He contrasts this with the House version, arguing that the Senate's proposal recognizes the significant capital decisions and contracts businesses have made based on current law. The CEO estimates that over $1 trillion of U.S. energy infrastructure investments could be at risk without a measured approach.
Emphasizing the broader benefits of these tax credits, Ketchum notes that they directly lower energy costs for American homes and businesses. Additionally, renewable and storage projects provide significant tax revenue for rural communities, often funding essential services like police, schools, and roads.
Ketchum concludes by calling for unity and compromise in addressing America's energy needs. He urges lawmakers to consider the facts and work together to build the infrastructure necessary for the country's future, emphasizing that investing in American infrastructure and prioritizing the nation's interests should not be a divisive issue.
Ketchum highlights the urgent requirement for the U.S. to build 450 gigawatts of new generation capacity over the next five years - equivalent to powering 75 Miami metro areas. He argues that this massive infrastructure undertaking is crucial for maintaining American dominance on the global stage, particularly in the race for AI supremacy and job creation.
The NextEra CEO cautions against completely eliminating clean energy tax credits, stating that such a move could effectively halt America's ability to build new power plants through the end of the decade. He points out that new nuclear power plants won't be available until the mid-2030s, and traditional power plant turbines are sold out through the early 2030s. In this context, Ketchum suggests that wind, solar, and battery storage can serve as a bridge while expanding traditional power plant supply chains and workforces.
Ketchum commends the Senate Finance Committee's recent draft bill for its pragmatic approach to phasing out clean energy credits. He contrasts this with the House version, arguing that the Senate's proposal recognizes the significant capital decisions and contracts businesses have made based on current law. The CEO estimates that over $1 trillion of U.S. energy infrastructure investments could be at risk without a measured approach.
Emphasizing the broader benefits of these tax credits, Ketchum notes that they directly lower energy costs for American homes and businesses. Additionally, renewable and storage projects provide significant tax revenue for rural communities, often funding essential services like police, schools, and roads.
Ketchum concludes by calling for unity and compromise in addressing America's energy needs. He urges lawmakers to consider the facts and work together to build the infrastructure necessary for the country's future, emphasizing that investing in American infrastructure and prioritizing the nation's interests should not be a divisive issue.
