In the heart of Washington, D.C., climate activists gathered on Capitol Hill in early 2025 to demand an end to fossil fuel subsidies. The protest, marked by passionate speeches, colorful banners, and determined voices, aimed to pressure lawmakers to redirect public funds away from oil, gas, and coal industries toward renewable energy. As the climate crisis intensifies, with record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires making headlines, these activists are pushing for bold policy changes to address what they call a “moral and environmental failure.”
A Growing Movement Takes to Capitol Hill
The rally drew hundreds of activists from groups like Extinction Rebellion, Sunrise Movement, and the Indigenous Environmental Network. They marched from Freedom Plaza to the Capitol, chanting slogans like “End Fossil Fuel Subsidies Now!” and holding signs that read “Our Planet, Not Your Profits.” The event was part of a broader wave of climate actions across the globe, as communities grapple with the devastating effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to extreme weather.
According to the International Monetary Fund, the United States spent $757 billion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022, including $3 billion in direct payments and $754 billion in indirect costs like environmental and health damages. Activists argue that this money could be better spent on clean energy solutions, such as solar, wind, and electric vehicles, which create jobs and reduce pollution. “It’s outrageous that our tax dollars are propping up an industry that’s poisoning our air and water,” said Sarah Thompson, a 28-year-old organizer with Sunrise Movement. “We’re here to tell Congress: stop funding destruction.”
Voices from the Frontlines
The protest wasn’t just about policy—it was deeply personal for many attendees. Indigenous activists, who led much of the march, shared stories of how fossil fuel projects have harmed their communities. Sonny Ugrunna, a 21-year-old member of the Iñupiaq Tribe from Utqiagvik, Alaska, spoke about the Arctic warming nearly three times faster than the rest of the world. “My hometown could be underwater in decades if we don’t act,” she said. “We’re not just fighting for polar bears—we’re fighting for our people.”
Younger activists, like 11-year-old Kamea Ozane from Louisiana’s “Cancer Alley,” also took the stage. Kamea described living near polluting refineries and losing family members to health issues linked to fossil fuel pollution. “I’m here because I want a future where kids like me can breathe clean air,” she said, earning loud cheers from the crowd. Her words echoed a common theme: the climate crisis disproportionately harms marginalized communities, and ending subsidies is a step toward justice.
Political Context and Challenges
The rally comes at a pivotal moment. With the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act investing heavily in clean energy, activists see an opportunity to push for deeper cuts to fossil fuel support. President Biden has proposed repealing $121 billion in fossil fuel tax breaks over the next decade, but activists say this isn’t enough. They want a complete phase-out of subsidies and a halt to new oil and gas projects, like the controversial Willow Project in Alaska.
However, political resistance remains strong. Fossil fuel companies wield significant influence on Capitol Hill, and some lawmakers argue that subsidies are necessary to keep energy prices low. The incoming Trump administration, set to take office in 2025, has signaled plans to expand oil and gas production, raising fears among activists that progress could stall. “We’re up against a powerful industry,” said Lukas Ross, a climate program manager at Friends of the Earth. “But public pressure is growing, and we’re not backing down.”
The protest also highlighted tensions within the climate movement. Some Democratic lawmakers, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, joined the rally and praised the activists’ urgency. Others, however, worry that confrontational tactics—like blocking traffic or interrupting events—could alienate potential allies. “I support the cause, but we need strategies that bring people together,” said Rep. Mark Pocan, a progressive from Wisconsin. Despite these debates, activists insist that bold action is necessary to keep climate change on the political agenda.
Global Echoes and Local Impact
The Capitol Hill protest is part of a global push to end fossil fuel subsidies. In January 2025, Extinction Rebellion activists in The Hague, Netherlands, blocked a major highway to protest their government’s $40 billion in annual fossil fuel subsidies. Similar actions have taken place in New York, London, and Jakarta, as climate groups worldwide demand accountability. “This isn’t just a U.S. issue—it’s a global crisis,” said Keanu Arpels-Josiah, an 18-year-old activist. “We’re all connected by the same fight.”
Locally, the rally had a tangible impact. Capitol Police arrested 78 protesters for obstructing traffic, including three charged with assault on an officer, though details remain unclear. The arrests, while controversial, drew media attention and amplified the activists’ message. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #EndFossilSubsidies and #ClimateJustice, spreading the call to action to a wider audience.
What’s Next for the Movement?
As the protest wrapped up, organizers vowed to keep the pressure on. The Indigenous Environmental Network announced plans for more actions, including blockades at federal buildings, to demand an end to projects like the Line 3 pipeline. Meanwhile, groups like People vs. Fossil Fuels, a coalition of over 1,200 organizations, are pushing President Biden to declare a climate emergency before his term ends. Such a declaration could unlock executive powers to curb fossil fuel production.
For everyday Americans, the activists had a clear message: get involved. “You don’t have to be on the streets to make a difference,” said Sarah Thompson. “Call your representatives, support clean energy, or join a local climate group. Every action counts.” With the climate clock ticking, the fight against fossil fuel subsidies is heating up, and Capitol Hill is just one battleground in a much larger war.
Why It Matters
Ending fossil fuel subsidies isn’t just about saving money—it’s about saving the planet. The science is clear: to avoid catastrophic climate change, global emissions must drop by nearly half by 2030. Subsidies keep fossil fuels artificially cheap, slowing the transition to renewables. By redirecting those funds, the U.S. could lead the world toward a cleaner, fairer future. But with political and corporate interests standing in the way, activists are taking their fight to the streets, hoping to inspire a movement that can’t be ignored.
