Trump declares ‘national energy emergency’, could boost oil and gas projects Reuters
By Andrea Shallal and David Lauder
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President-elect Donald Trump will sign an executive order declaring a national energy emergency aimed at boosting U.S. oil and gas production and lowering costs for U.S. consumers, incoming White House officials said on Monday.
The emergency declaration is one of several steps Trump could take Monday to bolster America’s oil, gas and power industries and put the brakes on President Joe Biden’s efforts to boost the electric vehicle industry.
Biden entered the White House pledging to wean America off fossil fuels, but U.S. oil and gas production has peaked in his view as he chased higher prices following sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
The official gave no details about the national emergency, but suggested Trump and his allies would use their authority to quickly approve new oil, gas and electricity projects that normally take years to approve.
“The common theme is a really affordable and reliable release of American power,” the official said. “Energy permeates every part of our economy and is key to restoring our national security and maintaining America’s energy dominance around the world.”
Trump has said the U.S. is in an artificial intelligence arms race with China and others, which the industry giant needs to become a national priority.
Trump is also expected to sign another executive order aimed at harnessing natural resources in Alaska, canceling several of Biden’s electric vehicle initiatives and shielding him from federal and local regulators seeking to keep gas-powered appliances out of homes and businesses.
Alaska has long been a controversial part of the country when it comes to energy and environmental protections, with Republicans long seeing opportunities there for oil and gas production and Democrats seeking to preserve pristine landscapes.
The official said Trump would “take a critical step toward unleashing Alaska’s natural resource potential,” citing abundant resources such as oil and gas, seafood, timber and critical minerals. No further details were given, but the official said that in the past the Departments of Interior and Agriculture had restricted the production of Alaska.
Many of the actions were expected and fulfilled Trump’s promises on the campaign trail.
