DAVID BLACKMON: 10 Bold Moves Trump Can Make in His First 100 Days for Energy Independence

By David Blackmon |

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as President, he faces a significant challenge: reforming federal energy policy. The past four years under the Biden administration have been marked by what many describe as incoherent policies that have undermined America’s energy security. The need for a reset has become increasingly urgent.

To address the complexities left by his predecessor, Trump has an opportunity to implement decisive actions within his first 100 days. Here’s a quick rundown of ten measures that could effectively jump-start this effort.

First, Trump should rescind the Biden administration’s pause on permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export infrastructure. This measure has been deemed unjustifiable and halting it could reinvigorate this vital American industry.

Next, he can withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and any related UN conferences. Such actions would cut federal expenditures tied to what critics label as unproductive international commitments.

Another action could involve terminating the position of Senior Advisor for International Climate Policy, currently held by John Podesta, along with its associated funding.

In a similar vein, a pause on permits and subsidies for Biden’s offshore wind initiatives may be warranted, especially to research their environmental impacts thoroughly. This aligns with a more cautious regulatory approach that has been overlooked recently.

Trump could also direct the Department of the Interior to renew the stalled oil-and-gas leasing program on federal lands. An investigation into any manipulation of these programs during the Biden era may also be prudent.

Establishing an interagency task force to streamline permitting processes for energy projects could alleviate bureaucratic bottlenecks. Congressional gridlock has hindered progress, making this a crucial move.

Additionally, a comprehensive review of all green energy subsidies is necessary. This review should assess the efficacy of subsidy programs linked to the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Law.

Another priority would be ordering the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess its stance on regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act, especially following recent Supreme Court rulings.

Trump should ensure an interagency review of the power grid and transmission infrastructure to address national security concerns. The increasing trend of tech companies monopolizing power generation assets necessitates scrutiny to ensure public accessibility.

Lastly, in light of reports indicating misuse of green energy funds for anti-fossil fuel activities, a freeze on such expenditures pending investigation would be essential.

While these ten recommendations provide a strong starting point, countless other measures warrant attention. The quest for revitalizing U.S. energy security is critical and implementing these initiatives could signal a robust recovery.

Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation.

David Blackmon is a contributor to The Daily Caller News Foundation, an energy writer, and a consultant based in Texas. With 40 years in the oil and gas sector, he has expertise in public policy and communications.