Trump's Return: Executive Orders Reshape US Energy Policy

On his first day back in office, US President Donald Trump signed a record-breaking number of executive orders, reversing many Biden-era policies and reinstating measures from his first term. These actions, which carry the weight of law but future administrations or courts can overturn, reflect his campaign promises to reshape America's energy, climate and governance policies.

Key executive orders

President Trump's executive orders covered many issues, including immigration, governance and climate policy. Several climate-related orders have sparked significant debate.

Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

One of the most controversial actions was Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time. The landmark international deal aims to limit global temperature increases and combat climate change collectively.

Trump first exited the agreement in 2017 before President Joe Biden rejoined it in 2021. Alongside the withdrawal, Trump signed a letter to the United Nations formalising the decision.

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, expressed disappointment:

"Science is our guidepost. That is why we will continue honouring the Paris Agreement goals and help the US do its part. The world needs the US to be a leader on climate."

Andreas Rasche, Professor at Copenhagen Business School, criticised the move:

"Climate change does not care whether he thinks this agreement is a rip-off—climate change is basic physics and will continue regardless."

Declaring a national energy emergency

Another significant order declared a national energy emergency focused on fossil fuels rather than clean energy. Trump pledged to fill strategic oil reserves and expand domestic drilling under an executive order titled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential."

It includes opening federal lands for oil and gas exploration while rolling back restrictions on fossil fuel production.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, warned of missed opportunities:

"The global clean energy boom—worth US$2 trillion last year alone—is the economic growth deal of the decade. Ignoring it sends vast wealth to competitor economies while climate disasters worsen."

Ending green new deal initiatives

Trump further halted funding for green initiatives championed during Biden's presidency, including measures under the Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure laws to boost renewable energy and EVs. He ended federal leasing for wind farms and revoked what he called an EV "mandate."

Business leaders react

While some business leaders welcomed Trump's focus on domestic energy production, others expressed concerns about abandoning clean energy opportunities. Flanagan highlighted collaboration with the administration to shape America's energy future:

"Today marks the beginning of a new term for President Trump. We at RWE Clean Energy look forward to working with the new administration to shape a great future for our country."

However, environmental advocates like Jennifer Morris remained defiant:

"We have years—not decades—and every delay increases the consequences. As the world's largest historical greenhouse gas emitter, the US has a critical role to play."

The road ahead

President Trump's sweeping executive actions dramatically shift US policy priorities. While supporters hail his focus on domestic energy independence and deregulation, critics argue that these measures undermine global climate efforts and risk long-term economic consequences from worsening environmental crises.

As legal challenges loom over many of these orders, their implementation remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Trump's presidency has reignited debates over America's role in addressing climate change and balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

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