Since President Donald J. Trump took office, his administration and Congressional Republicans have implemented over 200 actions aimed at expanding America’s energy potential. On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed approximately 200 executive actions to reverse mandates from the previous administration and enforce his “America First” policies.
Among these actions were executive orders declaring a national energy emergency, revoking the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan, and pausing new rules from government agencies until approved by department heads. The administration also resumed processing export permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and reversed restrictions on Alaskan energy production.
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 26, the Protecting American Energy Production Act, prohibiting the President from banning hydraulic fracturing without Congressional approval. Additionally, the National Energy Dominance Council was established to oversee energy policy.
On February 3, 2025, efforts were announced to open federal lands and waters for production, including in ANWR. Secretary Wright issued the first LNG export approval since a Biden-era freeze for Commonwealth LNG.
In March 2025, several approvals were granted for LNG export permits and lithium exploration projects. The Department of Energy removed barriers for using LNG as marine fuel and authorized an exchange from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve with ExxonMobil Corporation.
April saw significant regulatory changes with an executive order focusing on coal industry revitalization and amendments to existing environmental regulations to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic burdens.
Throughout May and June, additional measures were taken to promote domestic energy production. These included expedited permitting procedures for critical minerals extraction and expanded oil and gas leasing opportunities across various states.
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed repealing greenhouse gas emissions standards under Section 111 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), aiming to lower costs for power plants.
By July 2025, legislative changes such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended mass green energy subsidization while encouraging investment in domestic oil and gas production.
The Department of Interior continued updating policies to enhance offshore mineral development efficiency while maintaining environmental safeguards. This aligns with broader efforts to reduce compliance burdens under NEPA regulations across federal agencies.
Information from this article can be found here.
