The Resurgence of Fossil Fuels—Implications for Renewable Energy

The Trump administration’s return to power in 2025 has ushered in a series of policy shifts favoring fossil fuel industries, raising concerns about the future of renewable energy and sustainability efforts. One of the administration’s early actions was declaring a national energy emergency aimed at accelerating fossil fuel development and easing the construction of oil and gas projects. This move weakened environmental reviews, ostensibly to lower energy prices and boost international sales. Critics argue that this approach undermines progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. 

In line with this agenda, the administration has lifted previous restrictions on natural gas exports and expanded drilling leases, signaling a clear preference for traditional energy sources over renewable alternatives. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have publicly praised the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to establishing U.S. energy dominance. However, environmental groups have raised alarms about potential ecological impacts, citing pollution violations and the acceleration of climate change.   

The administration’s efforts to dismantle climate regulations extend to attempts to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2009 endangerment finding, which mandates action on greenhouse gas pollution. Experts anticipate that this move could lead to significant legal battles, as the endangerment finding serves as the foundation for many federal climate policies. 

These policy changes pose substantial challenges to the sustainability sector. The rollback of environmental regulations and the prioritization of fossil fuels over renewable energy sources threaten to stall progress in reducing emissions and transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The administration’s stance may also discourage investment in clean technologies, as regulatory support diminishes. The long-term implications of these policies could hinder the United States’ ability to meet international climate commitments and exacerbate the global climate crisis.