President Donald Trump’s executive orders on energy policy, issued on his first day in office, signal a major shift in national priorities and are being celebrated by many in Wyoming for their potential to bolster the state’s fossil fuel industries.
The directives aim to fast-track oil and gas development, reduce federal regulatory hurdles for extractive industries, halt wind energy expansion, and freeze federal grants tied to Biden-era energy and climate initiatives.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon hailed the moves as “a win for US energy and Wyoming,” emphasizing their alignment with the state’s priorities and economic reliance on fossil fuel industries.
The sweeping executive orders, titled Declaring a National Energy Emergency and Unleashing American Energy, outline a series of initiatives, including:
- Fast-Tracking Oil and Gas Development: The orders aim to eliminate what Trump described as regulatory “burdens” to energy production on federal lands.
- Halting Wind Energy and Electric Vehicle Incentives: Federal permitting for wind energy projects and incentive programs for electric vehicles have been paused.
- Freezing Federal Energy Grants: Programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, such as Wyoming’s $69 million Homes Energy Savings Program and an $8.1 million Grid Resiliency Program, are now in limbo.
- Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement: This move underscores a pivot away from climate-focused energy policies.
Wyoming’s energy leaders and elected officials have largely embraced the directives. Ryan McConnaughey, Vice President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, stated that the orders reflect the will of Wyoming voters who prioritize a robust domestic energy industry for national security and economic stability.
“After four years of attacks on Wyoming’s core energy industries, we now can look forward to an immediate change in approach,” McConnaughey said.
Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming praised the removal of regulatory red tape as essential to unleashing American energy potential.
However, the executive orders have drawn mixed reactions within the state. While fossil fuel producers and mining companies are optimistic, others warn of potential consequences for Wyoming’s environment, wildlife, and broader economy.
The freeze on federal grants could have significant implications for Wyoming. Programs targeting energy efficiency, electrical grid reliability, and water infrastructure are now in question. Critics argue these initiatives are vital for supporting economic resilience, lowering energy costs, and improving quality of life across the state.
Alec Underwood of the Wyoming Outdoor Council highlighted the uncertainty surrounding these programs.
“Wyoming could likely miss out on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to improve energy efficiency,” he said.
Conservation groups also expressed concerns about prioritizing fossil fuels at the expense of renewable energy development and environmental stewardship.
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration’s energy strategy aligns closely with Wyoming’s long-standing emphasis on fossil fuel development. Governor Gordon has consistently advocated for an “all-of-the-above” energy approach, balancing traditional energy industries with diversification into areas like geothermal power, which received favorable treatment under the new orders.
Industry leaders hope the administration’s policies will streamline permitting processes and attract investment in oil, gas, and mining projects critical to the state’s economy.
As Wyoming’s energy sectors adjust to the new directives, the long-term effects on the state’s economy, environment, and residents remain uncertain. For now, Trump’s policies mark a dramatic pivot that many Wyoming leaders believe will reinvigorate the state’s energy-driven economy.
With input from Wyo File and the Associated Press.
