Trump to Declare National Energy Emergency: A Move to Boost U.S. Energy Independence

On January 20, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump is poised to declare a national energy emergency through an executive order aimed at increasing U.S. oil and gas production. This initiative seeks to reduce energy costs for consumers and reverse the previous administration’s emphasis on renewable energy and electric vehicles.

The executive order is expected to expedite the approval process for energy projects, particularly in regions like Alaska, by streamlining environmental reviews and permitting procedures. Additionally, the incoming administration plans to end what it refers to as the “electric vehicle mandate,” signaling a shift away from policies that incentivize electric vehicle adoption.

Despite the previous administration achieving record-high U.S. crude oil production in 2023, surpassing 13 million barrels per day, the Trump administration contends that further increasing domestic fossil fuel production is essential for lowering energy prices and combating inflation. To this end, President-elect Trump is also expected to sign a memorandum addressing inflation, asserting that elevated prices were a deliberate outcome of the prior administration’s policies.

Critics argue that this policy shift could undermine efforts to combat climate change and hinder progress toward a sustainable energy future. Environmental advocates express concern that prioritizing fossil fuels over renewable energy sources may have long-term detrimental effects on both the environment and public health.

The declaration of a national energy emergency is part of a broader strategy by the incoming administration to reverse the previous administration’s energy policies. This includes reopening areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for drilling and reducing financial support for renewable energy initiatives.

As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, these anticipated policy changes have sparked discussions about their potential impact on global energy markets, environmental sustainability, and the United States’ role in addressing climate change. The administration’s approach marks a significant departure from the prior focus on clean energy and emissions reduction, setting the stage for debates on the nation’s energy strategy in the coming years.