President-elect Donald J. Trump is set to prioritize expanding American energy production policies as he prepares to assume office. Trump aims to make significant changes to liquefied natural gas (LNG) permits and oil and gas drilling leases. The moves align with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to “Drill, baby, drill!”
In January, President Biden implemented a pause on new LNG export permits, a decision that faced criticism from the U.S. energy industry and lawmakers from both major parties. Consequently, the National Association of Manufacturers reported that nearly one million jobs could be at risk over the next 20 years if the LNG restrictions continue. Trump’s incoming administration plans to revoke the current pause and approve new LNG export permits starting next year.
In addition, Trump intends to enhance lease sales for coastal drilling, streamline the permit approval process, and widen drilling opportunities on federal land. He also intends to exit the Paris climate agreement again, expand fracking operations, and revive the Keystone XL pipeline. The Keystone project, which intended to transport oil from Canada into the United States, was terminated on Biden’s first day in office.
Some have welcomed the potential revival of the Keystone XL pipeline, including former pipeline worker Bugsy Allen, who expressed optimism about the economic impact. Additionally, Allen explained he believes restarting the pipeline could alleviate energy, food, and gasoline costs for Americans. These changes are seen as a step towards reversing economic challenges faced under the Biden government.
