Democrats set to reverse Republican clean energy policies in Congress

Democrats winning control of Congress threaten to overturn two years of Republican fossil fuel deregulation.

Following a historic midterm election victory, Democrats securing a congressional majority are expected to reverse Republican policies that reduced funding for wind and solar power. Lawmakers plan to increase scrutiny on the administration's environmental record and shift the national energy focus back toward renewables.

• The backgroundRepublicans spent the preceding two years cutting subsidies for wind and solar power while easing regulations on fossil fuels.
• The outlookLawmakers will launch investigations and increase oversight regarding the administration's environmental actions.