On his first day in office, President Donald Trump started the process of dismantling climate change and renewable energy policies established by his predecessor. He declared a national energy emergency to accelerate fossil fuel development, a policy summarized as “drill, baby, drill.”
The declaration encourages the federal government to simplify processes for companies to undertake oil and gas projects by softening environmental reviews, aiming to reduce prices and increase exports to global markets.
Democrats argue this initiative is misleading. They emphasize that the U.S. is already the largest producer of oil and gas globally, and the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act has made significant strides in renewable energy, creating jobs and tackling climate change. This comes during a record-breaking period, with 2024 being noted as Earth’s hottest year within the hottest decade.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,” remarked Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, emphasizing the risks of a president declaring a false emergency to usurp congressional powers. Kaine expressed support for a Senate resolution introduced by Democrats to terminate Trump’s declaration. However, the resolution is likely to remain symbolic given the Democrats’ minority position.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has been creating a more accommodating environment for fossil fuels. Concurrently, the House is expected to vote on a measure to repeal a Biden-era methane fee imposed on oil and gas producers.
Among the changes under the Trump administration:
**Lifting the Pause on LNG Exports**
The Biden administration previously paused assessments of new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, a measure backed by environmentalists who were concerned about potential increases in greenhouse gas emissions. The pause mainly affected projects not yet under construction. Trump’s administration reversed this policy, and forecasts from energy companies like Shell suggest a 60% rise in LNG demand by 2040. The U.S. is anticipated to meet a substantial portion of this demand, with export capacity expected to double before 2030.
**Drilling Expansion**
Trump expanded onshore and offshore drilling opportunities by leasing more land for oil and gas sales, deviating from Biden’s initiatives to safeguard sensitive areas such as Alaska’s National Wildlife Refuge. Environmental groups are pursuing legal action to challenge these changes. However, increased leasing does not guarantee production, as noted in past cases where leasing bids attracted limited interest.
**FAST-TRACKING PERMITS**
The Army Corps of Engineers expedited numerous Clean Water Act permits following Trump’s orders, although the agency has since indicated it will review those applications. Many expedited applications are tied to fossil fuel projects. Environmental advocates argue that the administration is using the guise of a national energy emergency to push through projects that undermine environmental safeguards.
**Federal Workforce Cuts**
Trump’s policies extend to deep cuts in the federal workforce, affecting departments critical for environmental and public health protection. Pat Parenteau, a professor at Vermont Law & Graduate School, highlighted these cuts as potentially causing lasting harm to the federal government’s capacity to address pressing environmental issues.
**Renewable Energy Restrictions**
Trump imposed temporary suspensions on offshore wind lease sales and federal approvals for renewable energy projects. Such measures aim to curb the advancement of solar and wind energy, even as these sources grow in importance for the U.S. energy grid. Critics argue that hindering renewable energy’s growth binds the U.S. to prolonged reliance on coal and gas, exacerbating emissions and making international climate goals more challenging to achieve.
The Trump administration’s series of strategies reflects a substantial pivot from previous renewable energy and environmental protection policies towards a focus on traditional energy sources, potentially impacting international climate commitments.
