President Donald Trump's latest energy-related executive orders, widely criticized by environmentalists, may unexpectedly support efforts to combat climate change, an issue he has previously denied.
Issued during the first week of his second term, the orders aim to deregulate fossil fuel production, streamline permitting and roll back key provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), spurring intense debate.
But the measures may inadvertently boost climate action by addressing inefficiencies in renewable energy deployment and encouraging advanced nuclear power, according to an expert.
Why It Matters
The executive order, titled "Unleashing American Energy," directs federal agencies to "suspend, revise, or rescind all agency actions identified as unduly burdensome" to domestic energy production.
During the campaign, Trump advocated for an energy policy focused on fossil fuels, emphasizing infrastructure like roads, bridges and combustion-engine vehicles. "Drill, baby, drill!" was a frequent rallying cry.
These actions, along with the rollback of subsidies for wind and solar power, underscore Trump's skepticism of environmental policies and his disdain for renewable energy, criticizing Biden-era investments aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on fossil fuels.
What To Know
While often portrayed as a boost to the fossil fuel industry, some argue that recent measures under Trump's administration could also streamline the development of clean energy technologies, particularly nuclear power.
"This seems like a simple story of a callous administration gleefully wrecking the environment to benefit its fossil fuel backers," Quico Toro, contributing editor for Persuasion, wrote in a recent analysis. "But it's not so simple. By killing their worst ideas, [Trump's administration] has just done the climate movement a big favor."
Toro argues that overreliance on weather-dependent renewable energy sources like wind and solar has led to grid instability and rising energy prices. Removing regulatory barriers to nuclear development, he adds, could pave the way for more sustainable and politically viable decarbonization strategies.
A Mixed Reception Among Environmentalists
Environmental advocates have sharply criticized Trump's actions, viewing them as a rollback of the climate-friendly policies implemented under former President Joe Biden. The rollback of IRA and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding disbursements, combined with the exclusion of wind and solar from the administration's definition of "domestic energy," signals a deliberate de-emphasis on renewables.
Additionally, according to a Harvard Environmental Law Program analysis of the executive order, the administration's declaration of a national energy emergency has been challenged as unnecessary, given the record-high levels of oil and natural gas production in recent years.
"In 2023, the U.S. produced an average of 12.9 million barrels of crude oil per day, the highest in history, and exported 11.9 billion cubic feet of LNG [liquefied natural gas] daily," it says.
But analysts like Toro see potential benefits in Trump's push for deregulation, particularly for nuclear energy. New orders aimed at streamlining permitting processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) could benefit large-scale infrastructure projects, including advanced nuclear plants.
"NEPA has become a NIMBY's best friend, creating a labyrinthine permitting process that lets anti-development groups delay projects they don't like," Toro wrote. By cutting red tape, the administration could accelerate the deployment of next-generation nuclear reactors, which provide reliable, zero-emission energy.
Chris Wright, Trump's energy secretary, expressed optimism about nuclear power's role in America's energy future. "We're committed to bringing advanced nuclear technology to market," Wright said during a press briefing. "This administration understands that energy abundance and environmental responsibility can coexist."
Addressing Renewable Energy's Limitations
A central focus of Trump's energy agenda is addressing the shortcomings of renewable energy, particularly its intermittency. Wind and solar power rely on weather conditions, leading to grid instability and higher costs when paired with insufficient energy storage solutions.
"If this administration seriously pursues licensing fourth-generation nuclear plant designs, Trump could—paradoxically—be remembered for ending the fossil fuel economy," Toro wrote in Persuasion.
Despite these potential upsides, critics remain skeptical. "It's clear this administration prioritizes fossil fuel development above all else," said environmental policy expert Emily Rodriguez in an interview with PBS. "While nuclear power is part of the equation, the broader push to expand oil and gas production undermines renewable energy efforts."
What People Are Saying
Jason Ryan, spokesperson for the American Clean Power Association, told the Associated Press: "Energy dominance requires a true 'all of the above' energy approach that unleashes our nation's diverse resources to meet surging demand."
Trump, in his inauguration address: "We will bring prices down, fill our strategic reserves up again right to the top, and export American energy all over the world."
Wright, Trump's energy secretary and also founder of Liberty Energy: "Our aim is to boost natural gas and nuclear energy, moving away from the previous administration's clean energy priorities."
What Happens Next
The long-term impact of Trump's energy policies will depend on implementation and market dynamics. Experts like Toro argue that shifting focus to nuclear power could help the U.S. achieve its climate goals more effectively than a singular reliance on wind and solar.
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