US Energy Policy Shifts To Production Over Net-Zero Emissions
US energy policy shifts as the US Department of Energy (DOE) will prioritise expanding energy production rather than working toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, according to a directive issued on Wednesday by Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Aligning with Trump’s Energy Priorities
The order aligns the DOE’s goals with President Donald Trump’s energy agenda. Trump has repeatedly dismissed climate change concerns and pledged to boost oil and gas output to maintain US energy dominance. The directive justifies the US energy policy shifts criticising net-zero policies, stating they increase costs for American households, threaten energy reliability, and weaken national security.
“Going forward, the Department’s goal will be to unleash the great abundance of American energy required to power modern life and to achieve a durable state of American energy dominance,” the order stated.
Plans to Boost Energy Infrastructure
The DOE’s new directive supports Trump’s initiatives to accelerate energy permitting processes, enhance grid resilience, expand nuclear power capacity, and replenish the nation’s strategic crude oil reserves. However, the order does not provide specific details on how these objectives will be implemented.
Shift from Biden’s Climate Goals
Former President Joe Biden had set a target for the US to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 to combat climate change. His administration used subsidies to encourage clean energy adoption and expand electric vehicle infrastructure. However, despite these efforts, US oil and gas production surged to record levels during Biden’s term, driven by technological advancements and high energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
With inputs from Reuters
