The Energy Agenda of President-elect Donald Trump: What to Expect

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, one of his key promises is to maximize U.S. oil and natural gas production by removing what he sees as unnecessary regulations and bureaucracy. Here are some of the energy-related executive orders that Trump could announce in his first days in office:

1. Climate Withdrawal

One of the first actions Trump could take is to order the U.S. to withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement, an international pact aimed at fighting climate change. This move would have significant implications, as the United States is the world’s largest historical greenhouse gas emitter. Trump withdrew the U.S. during his first term and is expected to do so again.

2. Gas Export Boost

Trump has expressed his intention to lift the moratorium on new liquefied natural gas export permits imposed by the Biden administration. This move could happen shortly after his inauguration and is seen as a way to capitalize on the booming U.S. gas exports following global geopolitical events.

3. Energy Emergency

Another potential executive order could see Trump declaring a national emergency for U.S. energy, allowing for fast-tracking of permits for energy projects. This move would align with his goal of expanding energy production to meet growing demand.

4. Drill, Baby, Drill

Expect Trump to order the expansion of oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters, reversing Biden-era restrictions on fossil fuel development. This could lead to increased oil production but may face legal challenges in some regions.

5. Tilting at Windmills

Trump may halt new offshore wind power developments, citing concerns about cost and environmental impact. This would mark a shift from his previous support for offshore wind projects and could have implications for the renewable energy sector.

6. Tariffs

Trump’s proposed tariffs on various imports, including Canadian crude oil and solar components, could disrupt global trade patterns. The details of these tariffs will be crucial in determining their impact.

As Trump prepares to take office, his energy agenda is likely to shape the future of the U.S. energy sector. Stay tuned for further updates on these executive orders and their potential implications.

(Source: Reuters – Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Nia Williams)