Congressional Republicans are rallying behind President Trump’s Day 1 energy actions, which prioritize fossil fuel production and roll back climate-focused policies.
Kelsey Brugger and Andres Picon report for E&E News.
In short:
- President Trump signed executive orders to boost domestic oil and gas production, end offshore wind leasing and halt climate-related spending.
- GOP lawmakers expressed support despite limited knowledge of the specifics, aligning with Trump’s focus on energy dominance and reduced regulation.
- Democrats criticized the actions as harmful to environmental progress but signaled a willingness to collaborate on bipartisan issues like permitting reform.
Key quote:
“Actions speak louder than words, and the ones Trump took today will forever be remembered as the opening salvo of a presidency devoted to corporate greed, environmental destruction and the reckless worsening of the climate crisis.”
— Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), ranking member on the House Natural Resources Committee
Why this matters:
Expanding fossil fuel production while reversing clean energy investments could worsen climate challenges and delay the transition to renewable energy. The shift in energy policy may also deepen partisan divisions over environmental priorities, impacting future legislation and global climate goals.
