WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders at the White House on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Jabin Botsford | The Washington Post | Getty Images
President Donald Trump has launched an all-out offensive on energy in his first hours in office, issuing a series of executive orders to boost fossil fuel production and roll back U.S. commitments to combat climate change.
It’s unclear what impact Trump’s initial actions will have on the energy industry. CEO of Exxon Corporation and Chevron has said oil and gas production levels depend on market conditions and are unlikely to meaningfully change due to Trump’s desire to “drill, baby, drill.” The United States has been the world’s largest oil and natural gas producer for many years. Some of Trump’s orders may be challenged in court.
Still, the president made a clear political statement that the United States is moving away from the Biden administration’s focus on combating climate change by shifting to clean energy.
Instead, Trump prioritized fossil fuel projects to “solidify America’s position as the global energy leader long into the future.” Here are Trump’s key actions on energy so far.
1. Declaring an energy emergency
Trump has announced national energy emergencyarguing that the United States faces “unstable insufficient and intermittent energy supplies and an increasingly unreliable power grid” that threatens national security.
Power demand from data centers supporting artificial intelligence and the expansion of domestic manufacturing is expected to surge in the coming years. PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. power grid operator, warned that it could face power shortages as coal-fired power plants are retired faster than new capacity can be connected to the grid.
Trump has directed federal agencies to identify and exercise any available lawful emergency powers to promote domestic energy production, transportation, refining and generation. He also ordered agencies to use all available emergency agencies to accelerate new energy infrastructure projects.
2. Undoing climate commitments
Trump orders U.S. troops to start withdrawing Paris climate agreement. The landmark international treaty aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Under the terms of the treaty, a country can withdraw from the agreement one year after giving notice of its intention to withdraw. But Trump’s executive order states that the United States will consider the withdrawal effective once the United Nations Secretary-General receives written notification.
Trump also abandoned ambitious Biden administration goals to make half of new car sales electric, for a grid free of carbon pollution and for the economy to reach net-zero emissions.
3. Expand drilling and natural gas exports
Trump issues order to remove Biden Ban oil and gas drilling in most coastal waters of the United States. It’s unclear whether Trump actually has the authority to do so, and the order could face litigation. A federal court rejected a similar order issued by Trump during his first term that sought to overturn President Barack Obama’s decision to protect Arctic and Atlantic waters.
Trump also issued an order on Monday aimed at maximizing production Alaska’s natural resources. The order prioritizes the development of liquefied natural gas projects and directs the federal government to expedite permitting and leasing of energy projects in the state.
The president reversed the Biden administration’s decision to put a moratorium on new liquefied natural gas export facilities. Trump directed the energy secretary to begin reviewing new liquefied natural gas projects as soon as possible.
4. Eliminate clean energy incentives
Trump orders all federal agencies to immediately suspend disbursements of funds under the bill Inflation reduction methodBiden-era climate law provides financial support for clean energy.
The president specifically ordered an end to funding for electric vehicle charging stations. He also directed his administration to consider ending subsidies and other policies that favor electric vehicles.
trump card target wind energy In a separate executive order. The president has temporarily suspended new leases or renewals for offshore and onshore wind projects. He also halted leasing for offshore continental wind power projects.
