Rep. John James Sells out Michiganders, Votes to Put Over 25,000 Clean Energy Jobs in Michigan on the Chopping Block
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Washington, DC — Today, Rep. John James voted for House Republicans’ extreme budget reconciliation bill—legislation that repeals America’s clean energy investments and strips critical resources from Michigan families, all while delivering new tax handouts to billionaires and big corporations. The bill passed with a razor-thin margin of 215-214, giving Rep. James a deciding vote. Instead of standing up for his constituents and families all across Michigan, Rep. John James sided with Washington Republicans and their billionaire donors.
Rep. James’ vote directly threatens $39.85 billion in clean energy investment and 25,357 good-paying clean energy jobs in Michigan by repealing the clean energy tax credits of 2022. This comes despite Rep. James arguing in January that “we must not neglect the sector-wide energy tax provisions that manufacturers and job creators rely on in my district and around the country.” But, when it counted, with a deciding vote in his hands, Rep. James put corporate giveaways ahead of Michigan workers, manufacturers, and families.
“Rep. James and his House Republican colleagues just voted to create an American energy crisis. These same members have celebrated ribbon cuttings, touted new projects, and promised to protect the very investments they just voted to eliminate. This is a reckless betrayal of their constituents, done to appease Donald Trump and billionaire donors,” said Climate Power Executive Director Lori Lodes. “But this fight isn’t over. Senate Republicans have made it clear the House bill is far too extreme. Every single House member who voted to risk jobs in their districts, drive up costs, and threaten made-in-America energy will have to answer for that vote back home.”
The GOP bill would raise energy costs by 3.5% in 2026 in Michigan and devastate American clean energy manufacturing while ripping away health care from millions and driving up the deficit—all to pay for another round of tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy.
According to Climate Power’s April 2025 Clean Energy Jobs Report, Michigan has already seen:
- 74 new clean energy projects
- $39.85 billion in new clean energy investment over the last three years
- 25,357 new clean energy jobs announced
Republicans’ extreme bill will put all these gains at risk by gutting clean energy tax incentives, creating an American energy crisis. Since President Trump’s election, Michigan has already seen projects totaling $14.2 billion in investment, totalling 2,667 jobs threatened or cancelled as a result of Trump’s tariffs and war on clean energy.
The full list of clean energy investments under threat from the Republican repeal bill is available here.
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