After being elected for another term, Donald Trump’s administration is set to bring about substantial changes to America’s energy and environmental policies, often diverging sharply from the approach taken during President Biden’s tenure.
One of the most pronounced shifts will likely be the rollback of environmental regulations. Throughout his first presidency, Trump famously sought to undo various initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, leading to more than 100 rollbacks of federal environmental rules. His administration’s approach was marked by skepticism toward climate change, and Trump has repeatedly promised to withdraw the U.S. from global climate agreements, including the Paris Accord.
During his campaign, Trump vowed to undo many of the climate regulations established by the Biden administration, which included standards for automobiles, power plants, and household appliances. His commitment to ramp up fossil fuel production reflects his long-held stance. Despite the record highs of domestic oil and gas production under Biden, Trump plans to push even harder for drilling on federally owned lands and offshore, often touting his slogan, "Drill, Baby, Drill!" as central to his energy policy.
But who will helm these changes? Trump has brought key figures on board to facilitate his energy agenda, including Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, as Secretary of Energy. Known as a leading advocate for fracking, Wright's appointment signals Trump’s intention to increase fossil fuel extraction methods regardless of the environmental impacts. Wright has previously dismissed concerns about climate change, insisting, "There is no climate crisis," and dismissing the need for the energy transition many scientists and environmentalists advocate for.
Wright's focus on deregulation is expected to reduce governmental red tape surrounding energy production, which Trump's administration believes is necessary to ignite what they term as the "Golden Age of American Prosperity and Global Peace." Under this framework, the new administration aims to cut federal involvement, boost private sector investment, and prioritize fossil fuel production after years of prioritizing clean energy initiatives.
Alongside Wright, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will step up as the leading figure at the Department of the Interior, overseeing the management of public lands, including those earmarked for drilling and mining. Burgum’s background is notable, as he has previously campaigned on creating energy dominance and has played the role of intermediary between Trump and influential figures within the oil sector.
Interestingly, Burgum has publicly supported carbon capture technology — which aims to limit the greenhouse gases emitted during fossil fuel usage. While such technology promises to mitigate some of the adverse effects of fossil fuel use, environmental groups remain skeptical, questioning its efficacy and safety. Notably, Burgum’s strategy does not necessarily involve transitioning away from fossil fuels, which poses significant challenges to climate goals.
Yet Trump is not just relying on his appointees to shift federal policy. He has also outlined plans for his National Energy Council, tasked with managing the complicated domain of U.S. energy regulation and production. This council aims to consolidate all governmental energy departments and agencies to streamline energy production and policy.
Environmental advocates see this forthcoming energy agenda with concern. They’re wary of the potential for increased carbon emissions, pollution, and degradation of natural landscapes. Critics from various environmental organizations have already raised alarms over Trump’s anticipated approach, which could lead to diminished regulatory oversight and environmental protections.
Experts worry about the long-term impacts of such policies on the climate. Transitioning away from fossil fuels is widely viewed as necessary to curb global warming, but Trump's administration appears poised to embrace and entrench fossil fuel dependency. Critics, including former employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), fear this change could mean catastrophic outcomes for pollution control and climate action efforts.
Economists point out, though, the dynamics of the oil market aren’t solely determined by the presidency. They highlight the role of private companies, stating their production choices fundamentally hinge on the economic viability shaped by global oil prices rather than direct political pressures. Long-term trends might shift under Trump’s leadership, especially if he eases regulations on energy companies.
Despite these fears, some of Trump’s allies within the industry argue for balances between regulation and development. They acknowledge the potential for increased production on public lands yet assert the significant part global oil prices play. The uncertainty about how Republican leadership will engage with the energy policies of the Biden administration remains. Some top Republicans signal intent to reduce federal support for low-carbon technologies implemented under the Inflation Reduction Act, embracing Trump’s call to eliminate seemingly “wasteful” green incentives.
What will be left of Biden’s climate legacy if Trump prevails? The future of America’s energy policies hangs precariously at the intersection of political ambition and environmental necessity. Observers cautiously await to see how the country will reconcile its energy needs with the urgent call for climate action and sustainability.
