Donald Trump is gearing up to unveil a comprehensive energy plan within days of assuming office, focusing on boosting liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and expanding oil drilling. According to insiders, the proposed package aims to expedite permits for LNG projects, enhance drilling opportunities on federal lands, and reopen offshore drilling plans for more lease sales. This initiative underscores Trump’s commitment to making energy production a cornerstone of his administration, alongside immigration reform.
A key element of the plan involves reversing President Joe Biden’s pause on new LNG export permits, a decision made earlier to address environmental concerns. Trump plans to fast-track pending permits for projects like Venture Global’s CP2 and Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles complex in Louisiana. These steps could reinstate the U.S. as a dominant player in the global LNG market, which gained prominence in 2022 as Europe sought alternatives to Russian energy supplies amid geopolitical tensions. Donald Trump’s team believes these actions will bolster domestic production and align with his campaign promises.
Reversing Climate Policies and Keystone Pipeline Revival
Donald Trump’s agenda also includes rolling back several key climate policies enacted during the Biden administration. Among the proposed changes are repealing tax credits for electric vehicles and scrapping clean power standards aimed at reducing dependence on coal and natural gas. These efforts reflect Trump’s broader aim to prioritize traditional energy sources over renewable initiatives.
In a symbolic move, Trump is expected to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project, which was halted on Biden’s first day in office. While this gesture highlights Trump’s pro-oil stance, any effort to revive the pipeline would require developers to restart the process, including reclaiming easements previously returned to landowners. Trump’s advisors have also floated the idea of declaring an energy emergency on his first day in office, potentially bypassing regulatory barriers to accelerate his plans.
The former president intends to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which was significantly drawn down during Biden’s tenure to stabilize prices amid the Ukraine crisis. Refilling the reserve could drive short-term oil demand and encourage domestic energy production. Additionally, Trump’s team plans to pressure the International Energy Agency (IEA) to shift its focus from emissions reduction to energy security, potentially threatening U.S. funding unless the agency adopts a more pro-oil stance.
Streamlining Drilling Approvals and Increasing Federal Output
Another major priority for Donald Trump is streamlining the approval process for oil and gas drilling on federal lands and offshore sites. Federal data shows that during Biden’s presidency, the average time to process drilling permits increased significantly compared to Trump’s first term. Trump aims to expedite this process, hold lease sales more frequently, and prioritize land with high production potential.
Despite the delays under Biden, drilling activity on federal lands and waters has remained robust, with oil output hitting record levels in 2023 and natural gas production reaching its highest since 2016. Trump’s plan seeks to capitalize on this momentum by reducing regulatory hurdles and accelerating permits for pending projects. Federal lands and waters currently account for approximately 25% of U.S. oil production and 12% of its gas output, making them a critical focus of Trump’s energy strategy.
As Donald Trump prepares to roll out this ambitious energy agenda, his team emphasizes its alignment with the promises made during his campaign, aiming to reshape the nation’s energy landscape through deregulation and a return to fossil fuel dominance.
