President Donald Trump signed executive actions Monday, doubling down on fossil fuel production and reversing climate and clean energy policies, including steps to withdraw the United States from the Paris climate agreement.
The announcement comes as climate-driven wildfires devastate Southern California following the globe’s hottest year on record, marked by hurricanes Helene and Milton wreaking havoc in the Southeast.
In his inauguration speech, Trump declared a “national energy emergency” despite the United States leading global oil production. He vowed to streamline regulations that hinder fossil fuel extraction and mining and end land leasing for wind energy. Trump also pledged to undo electric vehicle (EV) incentives, citing his commitment to American auto workers.
“We will drill, baby, drill,” Trump declared, emphasizing his aim to reduce energy costs and curb inflation, which he attributed to “massive overspending and escalating energy prices.”
Climate scientists warned this month that global warming surpassed 1.5°C for the first time in 2024, a critical threshold tied to severe environmental and societal impacts. Experts criticized Trump’s move as a step backward in addressing the climate crisis.
David Wirth, an international law expert, cautioned that the oscillation of U.S. climate policy undermines global trust. Meanwhile, Trump’s bid to expand offshore drilling and open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling faces legal and industry hurdles, with past auctions drawing little interest.
Oil analysts remain skeptical of Trump’s promises to significantly lower energy prices. “A president can’t cut oil prices,” said Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group. U.S. oil production is dictated by market forces, and industry executives are wary of oversupply, which previously led to price crashes.
Trump also targeted EV policies, announcing plans to revoke emission rules that promote EV adoption, despite no federal EV mandate currently existing. While EV sales grew in 2024, they accounted for only 8% of total passenger vehicle sales, reflecting a market still dominated by gasoline-powered cars.
Environmental groups and international climate officials decried Trump’s actions. “There is no energy emergency. There is a climate emergency,” said Manish Bapna, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Despite Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, U.S. climate advocates pledged continued engagement. The bipartisan U.S. Climate Alliance announced plans to attend COP30 in Brazil, emphasizing ongoing climate action in the states.
“The door remains open to the Paris Agreement,” said UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell, warning that countries ignoring the global clean energy transition risk being left behind in a $2 trillion industry.
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