Donald Trump on Energy Policy (Oil/Gas)
Donald Trump's energy policy centers heavily on maximizing the production and export of fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas, under the banner of achieving "American energy dominance." This involves aggressively promoting drilling on public lands and dismantling environmental rules that are perceived to slow down or obstruct energy projects.
During his second term, the administration pushed for an increase in oil and gas drilling permits, with Secretary Doug Burgum linking this abundance to lower inflation and stronger U.S. leverage globally. Concurrently, Trump has blocked numerous renewable energy projects, often calling them a "scam," while strongly backing baseload power sources like coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy to meet current and future economic demands, especially those from the growing AI industry.
Despite campaign promises to slash household energy bills in half, analysis indicated that average electricity bills rose in the first year of his second term, though gasoline prices saw a modest decline due to global factors. Trump's administration has also pulled the U.S. out of global climate cooperation frameworks like the IPCC to further prioritize domestic fossil fuel extraction.
Context
Donald Trump's focus on maximizing oil and gas production is a core component of his broader "America First" economic and foreign policy strategy. He views energy abundance as a critical tool for national security, economic prosperity, and international leverage.
This perspective drives his administration's deregulation agenda and his opposition to climate change mitigation efforts that he believes restrict domestic energy growth. Trump explicitly ties energy dominance to his foreign policy actions, such as asserting influence or taking action against adversaries.
Actions Taken
- Regulatory Action/PermittingApproved a substantial increase in oil and gas drilling permits on public lands, showing a rise of roughly 55% in one year compared to the previous administration.
- Policy InitiativePushed for an emergency power auction focusing on building baseload power plants utilizing coal, gas, and nuclear energy, notably excluding renewable energy sources from this immediate plan.
- International WithdrawalPulled the U.S. government out of the IPCC, which produces leading scientific assessments of climate change.
- DeregulationRolled back regulations on emissions to boost oil, gas, and coal production, aligning with the goal of "American energy dominance."
Key Quotes
I will cut the price of energy and electricity in half. 12 months from January 20 – I take office on January 20 – your electric bill, including cars, air conditioning, heaters, everything, the total electric bill will be 50, 5-0 per cent, less.”
President Trump promised to 'drill, baby, drill,' and his policy of increasing an abundant supply of energy, creating energy dominance for America, is bringing home the goals of dropping inflation and bringing prosperity to Americans and bringing peace abroad.
Comparison
- Contrast with Predecessor: Trump's policies represent a significant reversal from the prior administration's focus on addressing climate change and accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
- Fossil Fuel Preference: While the administration supports nuclear and geothermal energy for baseload power, it has specifically excluded wind and solar from preferential treatment, favoring traditional fossil fuels.
Sources5
Trump has comprehensively failed to meet a key election promise to slash Americans' energy bills in half within the first year of his presidency
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.