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Trump administration officials on energy and the environment, 2017
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During his first 100 days, President Donald Trump signed executive orders directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider formally repealing the Clean Power Plan, a federal rule finalized in 2015 aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and similar emissions from power plants and an order directing the EPA to rewrite or repeal the 2015 Waters of the United States rule, which was issued by the EPA in 2015 to clarify which bodies of water fall under federal jurisdiction. In addition, the U.S. State Department under Trump issued a presidential permit approving the Keystone XL pipeline.
The article below summarizes Trump administration officials' actions and comments on energy and environmental policy.
Donald Trump
The Paris Climate Agreement
- On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Under the agreement, signatory countries pledged to reduce carbon dioxide and similar emissions in an effort to limit human-caused climate change. Trump argued that the agreement was unfair to the United States, would reduce jobs, and would have little effect on global temperatures if fully implemented. Trump announced that he would either renegotiate the agreement's terms or negotiate a new agreement favorable to the United States. In addition, Trump said the United States would cease payments to the Green Climate Fund, a United Nations-managed plan to finance climate change mitigation efforts and emissions reduction programs for developing countries.[1][2][3][4][5]
Offshore oil and gas leasing
- On April 28, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to revise the Obama administration's 2017-2022 leasing plan for offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Trump stated, "Renewed offshore energy production will reduce the cost of energy, create countless good jobs, and make America more secure and far more energy independent. This action is another historic step toward future development and future -- with a future -- a real future. And I have to say that’s a real future with greater prosperity and security for all Americans, which is what we want."[6][7][8]
Federal land
- At the April 26, 2017, signing ceremony for his executive order requiring review of all national monuments established since 1996, Trump said, "The previous administration used a 100-year-old law known as the Antiquities Act to unilaterally put millions of acres of land and water under strict federal control, eliminating the ability of the people who actually live in those states to decide how best to use that land. Today, we are putting the states back in charge."[9]
- At the March 27, 2017, signing of the bill to repeal the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Planning 2.0 rule, Trump said, "House Joint Resolution 44 removes a Bureau of Land Management rule that took control of land-use decisions away from states and local decision makers and gave it to Washington, and that's not good. That's never good."[10]
Pipelines
- On March 24, 2017, the U.S. State Department issued its presidential permit approving the Keystone XL pipeline. On November 20, 2017, the Nebraska Public Service Commission voted 3-2 to approve construction of a portion of the Keystone XL pipeline in Nebraska, though the commission rejected TransCanada's preferred route for the pipeline. The U.S. State Department also announced on November 20, 2017, that it would review its presidential permit for the pipeline and decide whether additional permitting actions were needed in light of the Nebraska commission's decision to approve an alternative pipeline route.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
- On January 24, 2017, President Trump signed executive actions to expedite final approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. The actions did not officially approve the projects as each required a different type of approval. The Keystone pipeline, which proposed delivering crude oil from tar sands in Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf Coast, required a presidential permit issued by the U.S. State Department for the pipeline to cross the U.S.-Canadian border. The Dakota Access pipeline required a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allowing the pipeline to be built under Lake Oahe in North Dakota. In a memorandum to the Secretary of the Army regarding the Dakota Access pipeline, Trump stated that the pipeline was more than 90 percent complete and that he believed the "construction and operation of lawfully permitted pipeline infrastructure serve the national interest." In a memorandum regarding the Keystone XL pipeline, Trump invited TransCanada to re-submit its application for a presidential permit.[18]
Oil and gas payment disclosures
- On February 14, 2017, President Trump signed a repeal of a regulation that would require coal, oil, and natural gas companies to disclose their payments to foreign governments. The regulation was issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act and would have required energy companies to disclose payments, such as royalties, made to other governments. The SEC finalized the rule in late 2016 after a federal court vacated a prior version of the rule. The rule's repeal was passed under the Congressional Review Act of 1996, which allows Congress to reverse new federal regulations within 60 legislative days of their finalization. The repeal was the first time the Congressional Review Act had been used to repeal a regulation since 2001, when a rule issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration was repealed. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), one of the sponsors of repeal, argued that the regulation would place unnecessary costs on energy companies and hinder the competitiveness of American companies in the global market. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), an opponent of repeal, argued that the regulation was meant to prevent potential fraud and corruption and to prevent American dollars from benefiting foreign officials.[19]
2016 BLM stream buffer rule
- On February 16, 2017, President Trump signed the repeal of the Stream Buffer Rule into law. In 2016, the U.S. Interior Department issued the Stream Protection Rule (also known as the Stream Buffer Rule), which required 100-foot buffer zones between streams and coal mining sites. In addition, the rule required coal mining companies to restore streams to their pre-mining conditions after mining was completed. On February 3, 2017, the U.S. Senate passed the resolution under the Congressional Review Act of 1996 to repeal the rule. On February 1, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for a resolution to repeal the rule.[20]
Waters of the United States
- On February 28, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider and rewrite the Waters of the United States rule, which was finalized in 2015 to clarify which bodies of water fall under federal jurisdiction. The rule required private individuals, groups, or businesses to receive a federal permit if their activities could result in discharges of dredged and fill materials into regulated waters. Before signing the order, Trump said, “The Clean Water Act says that the EPA can regulate navigable waters, meaning waters that truly affect interstate commerce. But a few years ago, the EPA decided that navigable waters can mean nearly every puddle or every ditch on a farmer’s land, or any place else that they decide."[21]
2016 Planning 2.0 rule
- On March 27, 2017, President Trump signed the resolution reversing the Planning 2.0 rule issued by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 2016. The rule would have revised federal procedures on public participation in BLM decisions and the use of data and technology in mining, drilling, and logging decisions. On March 7, 2017, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution under the Congressional Review Act to reverse the Planning 2.0 rule. On February 8, 2017, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to reverse the rule.[22]
Clean Power Plan
- On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to consider formally repealing the Clean Power Plan, a federal rule finalized in 2015 aimed at reducing carbon dioxide and similar emissions from existing oil, coal, and natural gas-fired power plants. The rule, issued by the Obama administration, was aimed at reducing emissions that contribute to potentially human-caused global warming. Trump promised during the campaign to reverse regulations on coal mining and coal-based electricity generation. Opponents of the Clean Power Plan argued that the rule would lead to higher energy prices and fewer jobs and would have no meaningful effect on rising global temperatures associated with global warming. Proponents of the plan argued that the rule was necessary to reduce coal, oil, and natural gas use, which they argued contributes to potentially human-caused global warming, and would require the U.S. energy system to use wind and solar energy.[23][24]
Mike Pence
Energy and environment
- In a speech in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 2017, Pence said, "We want clean air and we want clean water, but we shouldn't have to get the approvals from 16 different agencies for almost the same thing." In addition, Pence said, "We have a tremendous person that we put in charge of EPA, Scott Pruitt, who is an environmental person. He wants clean air, he wants clean water, but he doesn't think it takes you 26 years to get a permit to build a building and to have jobs, at which time those companies are usually gone, out of business, et cetera."[25]
- In a speech in West Virginia on March 25, 2017, Pence expressed his support for Trump's approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. In addition, Pence said, "We're going to get Washington out of the way of energy producers and coal miners -- because energy means growth for America, and President Trump digs coal. Our country is going to be stronger, and West Virginia will be stronger and more prosperous because of the President's leadership."[26]
- In a speech in Missouri on February 22, 2017, Pence said, "Just last month, after years of senseless delays, President Trump authorized the construction of the Keystone pipeline and the Dakota pipelines for our energy future and to create American jobs. (Applause.) That's what it means to rebuild our infrastructure and put America back to work."[27]
Rex Tillerson
Climate change
- When asked to share his personal views on climate change during his confirmation hearing, Tillerson said, “I came to the conclusion a few years ago that the risk of climate change does exist and that the consequences of it could be serious enough that action should be taken. The type of action seems to be where the largest areas of debate exist in the public discourse. I think it’s important to recognize that the U.S. has done a pretty good job.” Sen. Bob Corker (R-S.C.) then asked if Tillerson believed that human activity contributed to climate change, to which Tillerson responded, “The increase in greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is having an effect. Our ability to predict that effect is very limited.”[28]
- In 2007, Tillerson began working to reduce ExxonMobil’s carbon emissions. In a speech, he said, “While there are a range of possible outcomes, the risk posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions could prove to be significant. So it has been ExxonMobil's view for some time that it is prudent to take action while accommodating the uncertainties that remain.”[29]
Carbon tax
- In a 2009 speech, Tillerson advocated for a global carbon tax, a proposal at odds with the 2016 Republican Party platform. He said, “Finally, there is another potential advantage to the direct-tax, market-cost approach. A carbon tax may be better suited for setting a uniform standard to hold all nations accountable. This last point is important. Given the global nature of the challenge, and the fact that the economic growth in developing economies will account for a significant portion of future greenhouse-gas emission increases, policy options must encourage and support global engagement.”[30]
Scott Pruitt
Climate change
- On March 9, 2017, Scott Pruitt said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that he did not agree that carbon dioxide was a primary contributor to global warming and that additional scientific study was needed to measure the impact of human activity on global warming and climate change. When asked whether he agreed that carbon dioxide (CO2) was a primary contributor to changes in the climate, Pruitt said, "I think that measuring with precision human activity on the climate is something very challenging to do and there's tremendous disagreement about the degree of impact, so no, I would not agree that it's [carbon dioxide] a primary contributor to the global warming that we see." Pruitt's statement was contrary to the EPA's webpage (as of March 9, 2017) on the causes of climate change, which stated that "Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that is contributing to recent climate change." When asked whether he would revise the EPA's determination in 2009 that carbon dioxide and similar gases were contributors to potentially human-caused climate change, Pruitt said the issue might be addressed by the EPA in the future but said that he believed Congress should also address the issue.[31]
- Regarding the theory of human-caused climate change and policies to address it, Pruitt and Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange (R) wrote in National Review on May 17, 2016, “Healthy debate is the lifeblood of American democracy, and global warming has inspired one of the major policy debates of our time. That debate is far from settled. Scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connection to the actions of mankind. That debate should be encouraged — in classrooms, public forums, and the halls of Congress.”[32][33]
Ryan Zinke
Energy
- On President Trump's executive order to revise the Obama administration's offshore oil and gas leasing plan for 2017-2022, Zinke said in April 2017, "This order will cement our Nation’s position as a global energy leader and foster energy security for the benefit of the American people, while ensuring that any such activity is safe and environmentally responsible."[34]
- In a March 29, 2017, speech regarding energy production on federal land, Zinke said, "American energy powers our national and local economies. But for too many local communities, energy on public lands has been more of a missed opportunity and has failed to include local consultation and partnership. Today's orders allow for Americans to benefit from safe and environmentally responsible development on federal lands and put America on track for energy independence."[35]
- In a March 28, 2017, interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe regarding energy production, Zinke said, "If we do have energy here produced, I will tell you it makes us a lot stronger overseas, and strategically as well. Look at Russia. Russia is in the news everyday. So how to do you combat Russia? Economically. We export liquid natural gas to eastern Europe. We replace a lot of what they are providing to eastern Europe."[36]
Environment
- When asked at an April 25, 2017, press conference how many national monuments would be reviewed as part of President Trump's executive order on national monuments and the Antiquities Act, Zinke said, "The monument designation period stretches from 1 January 1996 under which the act -- and it has to include acts and monuments that are 100,000 acres or more -- so the beginning date is January 1st, 1996, and the other condition is they have to be a total of 100,000 acres or more. That should include about 24 to 40 monuments."[37]
- Speaking about President Trump's March 2017 executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to review national monuments designated under the 1906 Antiquities Act since 1996 that span 100,000 acres or more, Zinke said, "We feel that the public, the people that the monuments affect, should be considered. And that's why the President is asking for a review of the monuments designated in the last 20 years to see what changes, if any, improvements can be made, and give states and local communities a meaningful voice in the process."[38]
Rick Perry
Energy
- In an April 17, 2017, memo to U.S. Department of Energy staff, Perry ordered the department to study how federal policies supporting renewable energy sources affect the U.S. electric grid. Perry wrote that staff should review “the extent to which continued regulatory burdens, as well as mandates and tax and subsidy policies, are responsible for forcing the premature retirement of baseload power plants.” Further, Perry wrote, “The result of this analysis will help the federal government formulate sound policies to protect the nation’s electric grid.”[39]
Environment
- In a June 19, 2017, appearance on CNBC's SquakBox, when asked if carbon dioxide was the main contributor to global warming and climate change, Perry said, "No, most likely the primary control knob is the ocean waters and this environment that we live in." Perry added, "The fact is this shouldn't be a debate about, 'Is the climate changing, is man having an effect on it?' Yeah, we are. The question should be just how much, and what are the policy changes that we need to make to effect that?"[40]
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Trump officials energy environment. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
Footnotes
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump to pull US out of Paris climate deal: reports," May 31, 2017
- ↑ Axios, "Scoop: Trump is pulling U.S. out of Paris climate deal," May 31, 2017
- ↑ Huffington Post, "Donald Trump Reportedly Plans To Withdraw From Paris Climate Deal," May 31, 2017
- ↑ Reuters, "Trump pulling U.S. out of Paris climate deal: source," May 31, 2017
- ↑ Washington Post, "Trump to announce U.S. will exit Paris climate deal," June 1, 2017
- ↑ USA Today, "President Trump's executive order could lead to more offshore drilling," April 28, 2017
- ↑ White House, "Presidential Executive Order Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy," April 28, 2017
- ↑ Washington Post, "Trump signs executive order to expand drilling off America’s coasts: ‘We’re opening it up.’" accessed April 28, 2017
- ↑ The White House, "Remarks by President Trump at Signing of Executive Order on the Antiquities Act," April 26, 2017
- ↑ The White House, "Remarks by the President on Signing House Joint Resolutions 37, 44, 57, and 58 under the Congressional Review Act," March 27, 2017
- ↑ Omaha World-Herald, "130-plus citizens, groups file to intervene in approval process for Keystone XL route across Nebraska," March 24, 2017
- ↑ Politico, "State Department to approve Keystone pipeline permit," March 23, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump takes action to move forward with Keystone, Dakota Access pipelines," January 24, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Overnight Energy: TransCanada reapplies to build Keystone XL," January 26, 2017
- ↑ Bloomberg, "Keystone Pipeline Gets Trump Approval as New Roadblocks Loom," March 24, 2017
- ↑ Washington Examiner, "Nebraska regulators approve in-state route for Keystone XL pipeline," November 20, 2017
- ↑ CNN, "Nebraska approves path for controversial Keystone XL pipeline," November 20, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump takes action to move forward with Keystone, Dakota Access pipelines," January 24, 2017
- ↑ Washington Examiner, "Trump signs bill squashing Obama-era financial rule for fossil fuels," February 14, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump signs bill undoing Obama coal mining rule," February 17, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump directs EPA to reconsider Obama water rule," February 28, 2017
- ↑ USA Today, "Trump signs four bills to roll back Obama-era regulations," accessed March 27, 2017
- ↑ Washington Post, "Trump to roll back Obama’s climate, water rules through executive action," February 20, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Trump signs order to roll back Obama's climate moves," March 28, 2017
- ↑ VoteSmart, "Remarks by President Trump and Vice President Pence at CEO Town Hall on Unleashing American Business," April 4, 2017
- ↑ VoteSmart, "Remarks by the Vice President in West Virginia," March 25, 2017
- ↑ VoteSmart, "Remarks by the Vice President to Fabick Cat Employees," February 22, 2017
- ↑ C-Span.org, "Secretary of State Confirmation Hearing, Part 1," accessed January 13, 2017
- ↑ USA Today, "Exxon record in spotlight as Trump interviews CEO," accessed December 15, 2016
- ↑ ExxonMobil.com, "Strengthening Global Energy Security," accessed December 15, 2016
- ↑ CNBC, "EPA chief Scott Pruitt says carbon dioxide is not a primary contributor to global warming," March 9, 2017
- ↑ Washington Post, "Trump names Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma attorney general suing EPA on climate change, to head the EPA," December 8, 2016
- ↑ National Review, "The Climate-Change Gang," May 17, 2016
- ↑ U.S. Department of the Interior, "Secretary Zinke Commends President Trump’s Offshore Executive Order," April 28, 2017
- ↑ U.S. Department of the Interior, "Secretary Zinke Takes Immediate Action to Advance American Energy Independence," March 29, 2017
- ↑ Washington Times, "Ryan Zinke touts Donald Trump's all-of-the-above energy policy," March 28, 2017
- ↑ The White House, "Press Briefing by Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke on the Executive Order to Review the Designations Under the Antiquities Act," April 25, 2017
- ↑ The White House, "Press Briefing by Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke on the Executive Order to Review the Designations under the Antiquities Act," April 25, 2017
- ↑ The Hill, "Perry orders Energy Department study of electric grid," April 17, 2017
- ↑ CNBC, "Energy Secretary Rick Perry says CO2 is not the main driver of climate change," June 19, 2017
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