President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to assert American “energy dominance” on the global stage is centered on bolstering US oil and gas production, as well as expanding the nation’s energy portfolio, the Associated Press reports.
To implement this vision, Trump intends to establish a National Energy Council, which will be led by North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, his pick to head the Interior Department. This council will play a crucial role in advancing Trump’s agenda, aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and driving innovation to promote energy production across all sectors.
Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with the policies of President Joe Biden, particularly in regard to climate change and energy regulation. Under Trump’s proposal, federal agencies involved in energy production, permitting, regulation, and transportation would work more cohesively to streamline processes and eliminate what Trump views as unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The ultimate goal is to unlock the full potential of US energy resources and sell more oil, natural gas, and other energy products to global allies, including those in Europe.
While Trump’s energy plans aim to push for a significant expansion in drilling and energy production, some experts caution that real-world market dynamics may limit the extent of these efforts. For example, US oil production under Biden’s administration is already at record levels, and private companies control the decision-making on drilling. Energy analyst Kevin Book notes that while Trump’s focus on reducing regulations might offer more favorable conditions for oil producers, the decision to increase production still depends on the global supply-demand balance.
Additionally, while Trump’s energy vision emphasizes oil and gas, there are other complexities to address. For example, his recent threat of imposing tariffs on oil imports from Canada and Mexico—two of the US’s largest energy trading partners—could raise prices and disrupt the smooth flow of energy products. This could create unintended consequences for US consumers and refiners, as highlighted by industry groups like the American Petroleum Institute.
However, Trump’s energy strategy isn’t exclusively focused on fossil fuels. His agenda also includes promoting renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, alongside traditional sources like coal and natural gas. Trump’s team has expressed a commitment to developing “all forms of energy” to support economic growth and job creation, with a focus on both the energy market’s traditional strengths and the growing role of renewables. Georgetown University’s Safak Yucel pointed out that US leadership in solar and wind energy could be a natural extension of Trump’s broader energy dominance strategy.
Trump’s new energy council will bring greater coordination and support for US energy production, ensuring that the country remains a key player in the global energy market. As part of the plan, the council will focus on increasing baseload power generation to prevent power shortages and meet rising demand, including from rapidly expanding sectors like artificial intelligence and data centers.
