What’s Next for Trump’s Climate Agenda?
As the U.S. President begins his new term, fossil fuel expansion and retreat from global climate commitments dominate priorities.
Donald Trump’s agenda for his second presidential term, set to begin today – Monday, 20 January 2025 – is poised to build upon and intensify the climate and energy policies of his first term, with a clear emphasis on expanding fossil fuel production and rolling back environmental regulations. These actions, which he frames as part of achieving “energy dominance,” signal a sharp contrast to the climate-focused policies of the Biden administration.
One of the centerpiece policies on Trump’s agenda is the reversal of the Biden-era regulations that restrict drilling and promote renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). Trump has expressed a commitment to lift moratoriums on natural gas export projects and overturn drilling bans on federal lands and offshore areas. These efforts align with his long-standing support for the oil and gas industries. Additionally, Trump has suggested plans to amend fuel economy standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would likely slow the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies.
Another controversial element of Trump’s agenda involves imposing tariffs on imports, including Canadian crude oil and components for solar and EV batteries. Such tariffs could have a dual effect: while potentially bolstering U.S.-based industries, they could also disrupt international trade relations and hinder the growth of the renewable energy sector, which relies heavily on global supply chains.
These proposed policies reflect continuity with Trump’s first-term approach to energy and climate issues. From 2017 to 2021, his administration prioritised deregulation, rolling back numerous environmental protections related to air and water quality, and opening vast tracts of federal land for oil and gas exploration. Trump’s focus on promoting fossil fuels over renewable energy sources was central to his “energy dominance” agenda. During this period, the U.S. formally exited the Paris Agreement in 2020, a move that drew widespread criticism from environmental advocates but was celebrated by many in the energy sector. The Biden administration rejoined the Paris Agreement in early 2021, however, Trump has made clear his intention to formally withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement if re-elected. His administration’s policies also led to weakened emissions standards for power plants and vehicles, which critics argue contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Trump’s climate and energy agenda for his second term reflects his administration’s fundamental priorities: deregulation, fossil fuel promotion, and a retreat from international climate commitments.
Supporters of Trump’s first-term policies contend that they bolstered economic growth and enhanced U.S. energy independence. By reducing regulatory hurdles, the administration aimed to stimulate domestic energy production and create jobs within the fossil fuel sector. However, Brookings, an American think tank based in Washington DC., has monitored the Trump administration’s deregulatory efforts and has identified 74 actions aimed at reducing environmental protections.
As Trump takes office today, 20 January 2025, the proposed continuation of these policies raises significant questions about their long-term implications. While they may provide short-term economic benefits for traditional energy industries, the broader consequences for environmental sustainability and global climate cooperation remain critical concerns. Critics warn that doubling down on fossil fuels and sidelining renewable energy could leave the U.S. lagging behind in the global transition to clean energy, with potentially irreversible environmental repercussions. Conversely, Trump and his allies argue that these policies prioritise American economic interests and energy security in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Ultimately, Trump’s climate and energy agenda for his second term reflects his administration’s fundamental priorities: deregulation, fossil fuel promotion, and a retreat from international climate commitments. Whether these policies succeed in strengthening U.S. energy dominance or exacerbate global climate challenges will depend on their implementation and the shifting priorities of both domestic and international stakeholders.