But, for decades, American policymakers have also used various policies to fuel household consumption. Crucially, and more overlooked, is how the US government props up household consumption with energy policy. But the energy landscape is changing, owing to soaring energy prices for US households and the plummeting costs of renewables. In 2024, wind and solar were, respectively, 53 per cent and 41 per cent cheaper than fossil fuels. The American consumer economy can no longer run on fossil fuels.