Trump making fossil fuels great again has global implications

South China Morning Post

15-04-2025

The era of hydrocarbons is accelerating under the second Trump administration, posing a direct threat to global climate goals and putting years of clean energy progress at risk. On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump declared a
national energy emergency and signed an executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council. Headed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, its mandate revolves around fast-tracking oil, gas and coal development.
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This aggressive stance was reinforced by a series of executive orders focused on
reviving the coal industry , which Trump described as 'beautiful' and 'clean'. Surrounded by coal miners at the White House, he pledged to accelerate leases for coal mining on federal land and eliminate permitting delays that have long hindered coal expansion.
The administration has not limited its efforts to the federal level. It has also taken aim at state-driven climate initiatives, seeking to override local authority and weaken environmental protections. Moves to block California's cap-and-trade policies, halt enforcement of penalties against fossil fuel firms in New York and Vermont and shut down climate lawsuits targeting oil companies all reflect a broader strategy to consolidate fossil fuel influence across every level of government.
The recent approval of liquid natural gas exports from Commonwealth LNG in Louisiana marks the first authorisation since president Joe Biden's moratorium five years ago. These initiatives signal a shift in US strategy towards treating energy infrastructure not merely as economic development but as instruments of geopolitical influence.
Trump's declaration that US oil reserves are 'liquid gold' highlights his administration's commitment to fossil fuel dominance. By positioning the US as a global energy powerhouse, Trump aims to challenge the
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries' influence and assert US control over fast-growing energy markets in Asia.
Storage tanks are seen at the North Jeddah bulk plant, an Aramco oil facility, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, 2021. Photo: AP
In further moves to increase US energy influence, the Trump administration has imposed
new sanctions targeting Iran's oil industry and a surprise 25 per cent tariff on countries importing
Venezuelan crude oil and gas . This has disrupted supply chains across Asia and pushed up oil prices amid increased geopolitical risk. Trump
has spared Russia from being part of the 'reciprocal' tariffs, but the trade war he has sparked could bring about falling oil prices which in turn would destabilise the Russian economy.