Donald Trump’s presidential win signals a shift toward traditional fossil fuels, potentially undercutting Biden-era climate policies like the Inflation Reduction Act.
Peter Behr and Brian Dabbs report for E&E News.
In short:
- Trump’s victory, combined with a Republican Senate, supports expanded U.S. oil and gas production, raising doubts about long-term clean energy funding.
- Trump aims to dismantle parts of Biden’s clean energy efforts, including the Inflation Reduction Act, and reinstate policies to boost fossil fuel exports.
- Experts warn that Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign energy infrastructure could drive up costs, straining the U.S. power grid.
Key quote:
“It makes no sense. Whether it’s on China or on friends and allies, there’s always going to be retaliation. There will be direct cost impacts on consumers.”
— Ernest Moniz, former Energy Secretary
Why this matters:
Trump’s agenda to prioritize fossil fuels over clean energy could hinder U.S. efforts to reduce emissions, complicate international climate commitments and raise energy costs. The shift places energy independence over climate goals, with significant implications for public health, environmental standards and energy affordability.
