Since taking office again, Donald Trump has quickly moved to weaken climate rules and environmental protections.
In his first term, Trump made significant cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and replaced the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce carbon emissions across states. Now, as he returns to power, Trump is promising to continue these efforts.
One of his main goals is to relax environmental regulations on fossil fuels. He declared a “national energy emergency,” a rare move for a president. This gives him the power to ease restrictions on oil companies and promote the use of natural resources like coal. However, experts predict that oil prices may drop in 2025 as supply outstrips demand in the U.S.
In his second inaugural address, Trump talked about the abundance of oil and gas in America, referring to it as “liquid gold.” While boosting drilling could lower energy costs, it might also lead to price swings. Unfortunately, his policies could increase emissions that contribute to global warming.
Trump is also taking aim at the electric vehicle (EV) industry. During the past few years, the Biden administration focused on promoting cleaner cars and setting emissions standards for gasoline vehicles. Trump, however, plans to roll back these standards to support the auto industry, misunderstanding Biden’s intentions as a full ban on gas vehicles.
In addition, Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, an international effort to combat climate change through emissions reductions. He believes this move will save America significant money, despite the potential risks of worsening climate issues.
As we move through 2024, the world has already exceeded the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, marking it as one of the hottest years on record.
Despite these setbacks, many local leaders remain committed to fighting climate change. For instance, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson states that his city will continue to lead in climate action. Individuals can also play a part by reaching out to their local representatives or joining environmental advocacy groups.
For more insights on this topic, you can visit wri.org/insights/trump-climate-action-setbacks-opportunities-us.
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