As the election results reaffirmed national confidence in President-elect Donald Trump, it’s critical to address the unyielding issue of energy that underpins our day-to-day lives. While this concern may not have been at the forefront during the electoral process, the reality of skyrocketing gas prices is evident to commuters and businesses alike. Energy, a fundamental aspect of both economic stability and national security, requires immediate and decisive action to ensure a prosperous future for all Americans.
President Trump stands poised to rectify the current administration’s restrictive energy policies. Under President Biden, we witnessed the detrimental impact of limiting energy exploration and development across national lands, notably in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge and the Gulf of Mexico. By reversing these restrictions, Trump has the capacity to stimulate energy growth through executive action, unlocking immense potential in these areas. Furthermore, reducing the additional costs and production constraints imposed on oil and gas activities could pave the way for enhanced energy independence and economic vitality.
The Biden administration’s regulatory overreach into the energy sector extends beyond exploration limitations. Biden’s power plant rules threaten to dismantle essential coal and natural gas operations, sacrificing reliability in hopes of transitioning to renewable sources prematurely. By rolling back these regulations, Trump can safeguard existing power generation capabilities while responsibly integrating renewable energies over time. Additionally, advancing pipeline projects, like the natural gas infrastructure connecting Marcellus Shale production, will align with goals of energy distribution efficiency and regional connectivity for states like New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
A significant facet of Trump’s agenda must also address the contentious electric vehicle mandate, an ill-considered move by Biden through the Clean Air Act, which mandates an unfeasible transition to electric vehicles by 2035. Trump has the obligation to retract these mandates, allowing a more practical evolution of the automotive industry that supports diverse consumer choices and fosters technological advancements without undue regulatory pressure.
However, executive actions alone are insufficient for long-lasting change. To cement enduring energy progress, President Trump must collaborate with Congress on comprehensive energy reforms. Central to this legislative effort is the overhaul of the federal permitting process, with a particular focus on reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The current system has long been exploited to obstruct crucial energy and infrastructure projects, an inefficiency Trump can resolve by advocating for NEPA’s reform, ultimately facilitating swifter project executions and bolstering energy infrastructure investments.
Moreover, amendments to the Clean Air Act should clearly delineate the Environmental Protection Agency’s scope, ensuring it focuses on pollutant limitations without veering into prohibitive measures against gas-powered vehicles and traditional power plants. Embracing all forms of energy, including nuclear, is crucial in fortifying the nation’s power foundation. The burgeoning demand for electricity, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, signals the need for a nuclear renaissance, a path Trump can champion by easing regulatory barriers surrounding nuclear fuel management and recycling.
Under President Biden, we have witnessed alarming hikes in gas and electricity costs—43% and 30%, respectively—manifesting starkly in Democratic strongholds like California. This serves as a cautionary tale that Trump must heed to prevent a nationwide crisis. Ensuring a stable and affordable energy supply is not only vital for economic sustainability but also for securing our standing on the global stage, particularly in confronting challenges posed by rival nations like China.
President Trump’s renewed leadership offers a strategic opportunity to redirect America’s energy trajectory towards independence, reliability, and prosperity, reinforcing the cornerstone of a resilient and competitive nation.
