Introduction

Since assuming office, President Donald J. Trump has initiated over 50 significant actions aimed at enhancing the United States’ energy capabilities. This article outlines these actions, highlighting key executive orders and legislative measures taken by the Trump administration to reshape the nation’s energy landscape.

Key Policies and Executive Orders

Day One Executive Actions

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed approximately 200 executive orders, many of which were targeted towards energy policy. Key actions included:

• Declaring a national energy emergency.
• Revoking the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan.
• Implementing a pause on new regulations pending approval from department heads.
• Reviewing agency activities that may impede U.S. energy production.
• Rescinding restrictions on Alaskan energy production to facilitate drilling.
• Resuming the processing of export permits for liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.
• Instituting a moratorium on offshore wind projects and halting new solar and wind permits on federal lands.
• Withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and relieving the U.S. from financial commitments under the UNFCCC.
• Revoking several prior executive orders related to climate policy and environmental regulations.

Subsequent Developments

The following weeks saw further initiatives aimed at facilitating energy production:

• January 31, 2025: The Bureau of Land Management authorized leases for oil and gas parcels in New Mexico.
• February 3, 2025: Efforts were announced to open federal lands and waters for production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
• February 7, 2025: The House passed legislation to restrict presidential banning of hydraulic fracturing without Congressional approval.
• February 14, 2025: Establishment of the National Energy Dominance Council; approval for a deepwater port for LNG exports.
• February 21, 2025: Waivers for year-round sale of E15 fuel were issued.
• February 25, 2025: Repeal of specific regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Significant Legislative Actions

A series of legislative efforts further aligned with the Trump administration’s energy priorities:

• February 26, 2025: Legislation passed to overturn methane emissions fees imposed by the previous administration.
• February 28, 2025: Order to eliminate restrictions on LNG as marine fuel was announced by the Department of Energy.
• March 5, 2025: The Secretary of Energy approved an extension for LNG export permits and authorized lithium exploration activities in Nevada.
• March 6, 2025: The repeal of the requirement for archeological reports related to oil and gas exploration was enacted.
• March 12, 2025: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a significant deregulation initiative aimed at enhancing the energy sector, which included reconsiderations of key regulations affecting power plants, emissions standards, and more.

Focus on Minerals and Resources

On March 20, 2025, a new executive order was issued that emphasized the importance of increasing American mineral production. This initiative underscored the necessity of securing an affordable supply of minerals vital for various sectors including transportation, infrastructure, and technology.

Conclusion

Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump’s administration has implemented numerous executive orders and legislative measures with the goal of boosting U.S. energy production and reducing regulatory burdens. These actions demonstrate a strong commitment to harnessing America’s energy potential while reshaping the regulatory landscape for future energy endeavors.