US Shifts Gears: Trump Reverses Biden's Climate Policies

President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency during his inaugural speech on Monday, aiming to boost oil and gas production in America and lower consumer costs. This declaration is part of several steps Trump plans to take to support the US energy sector, marking a stark departure from former President Joe Biden's focus on electric vehicles.

“The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency,” Trump said. “We will drill, baby, drill.”

Trump emphasised that the US had achieved independence in oil production, further supporting his claim with his record of boosting oil and gas production. The ongoing debate between his policies and those of former President Joe Biden reflects a broader clash between addressing climate change and prioritizing traditional energy and economic strategies.

This move by the newly sworn-in president also signals continuity, reflecting the early shaping of his approach to energy policy from his previous administration. In 2017, he withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing that it was harmful to the economy. In contrast, President Joe Biden rejoined the agreement on his first day in office in 2021, reversing Trump's decision.

According to former President Biden, the transition to fossil-free energy is the best solution for combating global warming. Biden's administration has implemented measures promoting electric vehicles and reducing the country's dependence on petrol and diesel. The federal government plans to reduce fossil fuel production to limit carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, car manufacturers are being encouraged to increase electric vehicle production, with a target to transition 30-56% of all vehicles away from petrol and diesel. These actions form part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering sustainability.

The newly sworn-in president said his goal is to make the US the largest car-producing nation in the world and criticized Biden’s policies for driving up energy prices and harming the economy.

While the Paris Agreement is not legally binding, it is a document that promotes global cooperation to address the causes of global warming.

By signing an order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, the US will join Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries currently outside the agreement.

(Sources: TOI, BBC)