Investing.com — Donald Trump’s transition team is crafting an expansive energy policy that aims to enhance fossil fuel production and exports, aligning with promises made during his campaign, Reuters reported on Monday.
The plan, which could be unveiled as early as Trump’s first day in office, highlights liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, oil drilling expansion, and regulatory rollbacks as key pillars of his agenda, according to sources familiar with the initiative.
Central to Trump’s strategy is said to be lifting President Joe Biden’s freeze on new LNG export permits.
This action would expedite pending projects such as Venture Global’s CP2, Commonwealth LNG, and Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles facility in Louisiana, Reuters notes.
“The LNG issue is a lay-up, and he plans to go strong on the issue,” one Reuters source told the publication.
In addition, Trump reportedly intends to accelerate offshore and federal land drilling, aiming to cut the average permit approval time, which has increased under the Biden administration.
Trump’s plan also includes reopening five-year offshore drilling plans to offer more lease sales, said Reuters.
Trump is also set to reauthorize the Keystone XL Pipeline, though its construction would require starting over. “The American people can bank on President Trump using his executive power on day one to deliver on his campaign promises,” said Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Beyond drilling, the report adds that Trump will seek congressional funding to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, boosting short-term oil demand. The initiative also targets the International Energy Agency, with advisers urging Trump to pressure the organization to adopt more pro-oil policies.
While the plan could face regulatory and legislative hurdles, Trump has promised to declare an energy emergency, testing the limits of executive power to fast-track these changes, according to Reuters.