The U.S. oil and gas industry has made its intentions clear to the incoming Presidential administration with a detailed policy wish list that prioritizes profits over environmental concerns and climate science. The American Petroleum Institute (API) recently released a “policy roadmap” directed at President-elect Donald Trump, outlining five key actions that aim to further their agenda by rolling back science-based environmental protections.
API’s policy proposals include repealing rules that support the transition to electric vehicles, such as EPA regulations on carbon emissions and fuel economy standards. They also target an EPA waiver for a 2022 California rule that would reduce pollution from gasoline-powered cars and increase sales requirements for zero-emission vehicles. API argues that these rules limit consumer choice, but in reality, they would increase options for buyers by expanding the availability of electric vehicles.
Another proposal from API is to reinstate permitting for liquified natural gas (LNG) exports, a fossil fuel that is a significant source of global warming emissions. The Biden administration had temporarily paused approvals for new LNG export authorizations in 2024 to assess impacts on climate, energy prices, and public health. API is pushing for the resumption of these approvals despite the U.S. already being a leader in LNG exports.
API also advocates for opening up federal lands for drilling and repealing regulations that protect public health and the environment. They specifically target a fee on methane emissions from high-emitting oil and gas facilities, which the industry has been fighting against despite being responsible for a significant portion of methane emissions.
Additionally, API is calling for changes to the federal permitting process to limit environmental reviews and public input, particularly regarding the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). They also seek to preserve tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry, costing taxpayers billions of dollars each year.
API’s lobbying efforts reflect the industry’s longstanding disregard for climate science and environmental protection. The organization has a history of promoting fossil fuels despite knowing the risks they pose to the climate. In today’s context, where rapid decarbonization is crucial for human and planetary health, API’s agenda focuses on maximizing profits rather than addressing the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels.
As the fossil fuel industry continues to exert its influence, it is essential to prioritize climate science and defend scientific safeguards. The next four years will likely see intensified efforts from the industry to maintain the status quo, making it imperative to support policies that promote renewable energy and mitigate the impacts of fossil fuel production.
