In his 2024 campaign, President-elect Donald Trump made it clear that his strategy for U.S. energy policy would focus heavily on domestic oil and gas production, with a particular emphasis on fracking. A major part of his platform, Trump’s energy agenda, promises to not only bolster American energy independence but also drastically lower the cost of living for U.S. consumers, especially at the gas pump. As part of his “drill, baby, drill” mantra, Trump repeatedly highlighted his vision of a fracking boom that could lead to lower gas prices and a stronger American economy.
In one of his key speeches at Madison Square Garden in October, Trump boldly claimed that his administration would achieve a 50% reduction in energy prices within just one year of his inauguration in January 2025. Whether this ambitious goal becomes a reality remains to be seen, but experts believe that Trump will waste no time in pushing his energy agenda forward, potentially bringing about significant changes to the U.S. drilling landscape within his first few months in office.
Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, a national trade association that represents over 650,000 workers in the U.S. energy sector, believes that there are concrete steps Trump can take in the initial 90 days to boost U.S. energy production. These steps, Tarpley suggests, could strengthen the country’s energy profile and make a notable difference in global markets.
Increase in Domestic Fracking: The Trump Administration’s Focus on Federal Land
One of the key moves Trump has already signaled is his intent to expand fracking operations, particularly on federal lands. By nominating Chris Wright, a well-known figure in the oil and gas industry, to head the Department of Energy, Trump has made it clear that domestic drilling will be a priority. Wright is the founder of Liberty Energy, a company that’s responsible for fracking 20% of the onshore wells in the U.S. His company is also involved in nearly 10% of total U.S. energy production, which makes him an influential figure in shaping U.S. energy policy.
In his announcement of Wright’s nomination, Trump highlighted the nominee’s pivotal role in launching the American Shale Revolution—a move that revolutionized U.S. energy production and helped position the country as a global energy leader. In a statement, Trump referred to Wright as a "leading technologist and entrepreneur" whose work has spanned multiple energy sectors, from nuclear to solar, geothermal, and, of course, oil and gas.
Wright’s expertise in fracking and his vision for the future could usher in a new era of drilling on federal lands. Currently, fracking operations on federal lands make up only 24% of the total number of U.S. wells, according to the American Petroleum Institute. However, experts believe that the Trump administration could increase that percentage by easing restrictions and facilitating faster permitting processes. While these changes may not happen overnight, experts like Tarpley predict that we could see gradual, but substantial, increases in drilling operations on federal lands throughout Trump’s second term.
Reforming the Permitting Process: A Key to Unlocking U.S. Energy Potential
Another crucial aspect of Trump’s energy policy involves reforming the permitting process for energy projects. In this area, the Trump administration is likely to back a bipartisan reform bill that has already been introduced in the Senate. The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, spearheaded by Senate Energy Committee chair Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Republican Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), seeks to accelerate the permitting process for critical energy and mineral projects.
The bill’s main goal is to strengthen U.S. energy independence by reducing the time and complexity involved in approving energy projects. Currently, it can take up to five years to obtain a permit for a gas pipeline from the design phase to construction completion—a time frame much longer than most other countries. The Energy Permitting Reform Act proposes cutting the time allowed for judicial review of energy projects from six years to just 150 days, helping speed up the approval process. Moreover, the bill requires that oil and gas projects be given priority in court, ensuring that any legal disputes over permits are resolved more quickly.
Tarpley, who supports the reform, believes that passing this legislation would significantly improve the competitiveness of U.S. energy companies in global markets. He argues that reducing permitting delays could help the U.S. meet growing energy demand and compete more effectively with other energy-producing nations.
Environmental Concerns: The Controversy Surrounding Fracking Expansion
Despite the economic promises associated with expanding fracking, there is a growing wave of environmental concern. Critics, especially from environmental organizations, warn that increasing the number of drilling operations—especially on federal lands—could have serious negative consequences for the environment and public health. More than 360 environmental groups, led by Earth Justice, have voiced their opposition to the Energy Permitting Reform Act, calling it a "dirty permitting deal" that favors the fossil fuel industry at the expense of public health and the environment.
These groups argue that the bill’s provisions would make it easier to approve drilling projects without proper federal oversight or community consultation. They express concern that it could lead to widespread leasing and drilling in ecologically sensitive areas without considering the environmental impact. Additionally, there are fears that the bill could sideline local communities, particularly those near drilling sites, whose concerns might be ignored in the rush to approve new projects.
Public health organizations are also sounding alarms about the risks associated with fracking. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has raised concerns about the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, which can contaminate air and water resources, posing health risks to nearby residents. A 2022 study published by the NIH found that air pollutants from fracking sites are associated with an increased risk of cancers, as well as other serious health conditions. The study found that older adults living near fracking sites had a higher risk of premature death than those living farther away. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified potential risks of drinking water contamination associated with hydraulic fracturing, although the extent of these risks remains unclear.
Despite these environmental concerns, Trump has remained steadfast in his support for domestic oil and gas production. During a campaign stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in October, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to fracking, stating, “On Day 1, frack, frack, frack, and drill, drill, drill.” He also reiterated his belief in achieving "energy independence and energy dominance," a key cornerstone of his administration's energy policy.
Looking Ahead: What Will Trump's Energy Policy Mean for the U.S.?
As Trump prepares for his second term, the question remains: what kind of energy future will he create for the U.S.? With his push for expanded fracking, streamlined permitting processes, and a commitment to boosting domestic oil and gas production, Trump’s energy policy is likely to reshape the American energy landscape.
If his promises come to fruition, the U.S. could see increased energy independence, a stronger economy, and lower gas prices for consumers. However, these potential benefits come with a complex set of challenges, including environmental concerns and the need for greater balance between economic growth and sustainability.
One thing is certain: Trump's energy policy will continue to be a key point of debate in the coming years. Whether it leads to a new era of energy dominance or sparks further environmental concerns will depend on how effectively his administration navigates the complexities of the energy sector.
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