Republican policy advisers foresee significant shifts in U.S. energy and environmental policy if Donald Trump secures a second term in the upcoming presidential election.
Trump’s return to the White House would likely entail a series of executive orders aimed at expanding oil, gas, and coal development, reversing initiatives implemented by President Joe Biden to combat climate change.
These measures could include ending restrictions on new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export permits, scrapping mandates for electric vehicles, and withdrawing from international agreements to tackle global warming, such as the Paris Climate Accord.
Additionally, efforts would be made to reduce environmental regulations and government oversight, potentially even targeting provisions of Biden’s signature climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act. Advisers are also considering proposals to transfer federally-owned land, including national forests, to state control.
This policy blueprint underscores the stark contrast in approaches to energy production and environmental protection between the progressive left and conservative right in the United States.
Trump’s return to office could further deepen this political divide, appealing to working-class Americans and prioritizing economic interests over environmental concerns.
With energy already a central theme in Trump’s campaign rhetoric, his administration would likely focus on promoting domestic energy production and reducing regulatory barriers to fossil fuel industries.
However, the extent to which Trump could implement these changes would depend on the composition of Congress and potential legal challenges. Overall, a second Trump presidency could herald a significant reversal of U.S. energy and environmental policies established under the Biden administration.
