The new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) weakens or eliminates many of the federal tax credits which had boosted Americans’ efforts to live more sustainably. However, the state-funded, quasi-public agency known as Efficiency Maine Trust continues to incentivize a range of climate-friendly measures for individuals.

If you want to buy a “clean vehicle,” save the date Sept. 30, 2025. Originally the income-eligible buyer of a qualified electric or fuel-cell auto had until the end of 2032 to claim a federal tax credit worth up to $7,500 for a new vehicle or as much as $4,000 for a used one. Due to OBBBA, though, the tax credit expires at the end of September.

Fortunately, Efficiency Maine still offers a rebate program for low- and moderate-income individuals. Newly updated, this electric vehicle incentive requires the additional purchase of an off-peak charger (see tinyurl.com/hzefdmtm). Anyone planning to take advantage of the clean-vehicle tax credits while they last might begin with the IRS webpages at tinyurl.com/yap6svs5 (new cars) and tinyurl.com/3dcv789v
(used vehicles).

For homeowners, a key date is Dec. 31, 2025. Since 2022, a federal tax credit of up to $3,200 has supported improvements to a home’s energy efficiency via a wide range of products and systems, such as insulation, doors, windows, heat pumps and electrical panel upgrades (see IRS webpage tinyurl.com/5ypakn4b). OBBBA eliminates the credit at the end of this year, seven years earlier than originally planned.

However, Efficiency Maine continues to offer rebates (tiered by income) for all kinds of weatherization measures, including heat pumps and heat pump water heaters (see tinyurl.com/5n76j338).

Sadly, Maine cannot compensate for all of OBBBA’s changes to eco-friendly tax credits for households. In particular, the 30% federal credit for clean energy systems, including solar panels and batteries, is now limited to purchases made by Dec. 31, 2025.

Nevertheless, Efficiency Maine still provides rebates for insulation, biomass boilers and furnaces, mini-split heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps and heat pump water heaters (see efficiencymaine.com/at-home/).

The OBBBA sets back nationwide efforts to reduce the cost of energy and cut the consumption of fossil fuels. However, the State of Maine remains committed to these goals. So if you wish to purchase an electric vehicle, live in a more climate-friendly household, or pay less to heat your home, all is not lost.

David Conwell belongs to the nationwide advocacy organization Citizens’ Climate Lobby and is a former member of Brunswick’s Sustainability Committee.