President Donald Trump wasted no time making significant changes to U.S. energy policies and climate change strategies shortly after his second-term inauguration. In a bold move, he signed executive orders withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris climate accords, declaring an “energy emergency,” and fast-tracking permits for fossil fuels, nuclear power, and mining operations.
The orders also halted offshore wind development, opened up the largest national forest for increased logging, and eliminated all climate aid to foreign countries. Trump’s administration challenged the landmark U.S. ‘Endangerment Finding’ and sought to review its legality and applicability.
Additionally, Trump’s orders focused on lifting restrictions on dirtier energy sources like oil, natural gas, and coal while excluding cleaner sources like hydrogen, solar, wind, and nuclear fusion. He also lifted the ban on LNG exports, temporarily halted wind energy projects, and targeted appliances for energy and water efficiency regulations.
Furthermore, Trump’s executive orders aimed to boost extraction across Alaska, including opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling and lifting logging restrictions in the Tongass National Forest. The orders also advanced controversial projects like the Ambler Road mining road and prioritized water resources for firefighting over protecting endangered species in California.
In a final blow, Trump terminated the American Climate Corps program, which aimed to create jobs combating climate change and restoring public lands. These actions reflect a significant shift in U.S. energy and environmental policies under Trump’s administration.
