Federal Energy Policy Under the Trump Administration: A Shifting Landscape for Renewable Energy

The election of President Donald Trump has brought about significant changes in federal energy policy, with a focus on unleashing American energy dominance. The administration's policies and personnel changes across energy-focused federal agencies have far-reaching implications for the renewable energy sector. Congressional tax reform efforts will also fundamentally affect the energy industry, with a focus on domestic manufacturing and energy development. The K&L Gates Energy and Public Policy and Law teams hosted a series of webinars to discuss these changes and their effects on each sector of the energy industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration has issued several key executive orders affecting federal support for renewable energy, including Executive Order 13771, which aims to reduce regulatory burdens on energy production and innovation.
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to the Clean Power Plan, which would replace the Obama-era rule with a more relaxed set of standards for energy production and emissions.
• The Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed rules to increase the permitting process for renewable energy projects, while also promoting the development of emerging clean energy technologies.
• The administration's tax reform efforts will likely affect energy production and distribution, with a focus on domestic manufacturing and energy development.
• Partners from K&L Gates' Public Policy and Law practice and Power practice have offered insights into the current political and regulatory environment, the lasting effects of the Trump administration's policies, and what the future holds for renewable energy.

Statistics:

• 17% of the U.S. energy mix came from renewable sources in 2020 (Energy Information Administration).
• The Trump administration has rolled back over 80 Obama-era regulations and policies (American Progress).
• 60% of Americans support increasing funding for renewable energy research and development (Gallup).
• $5.4 billion was invested in U.S. renewable energy projects in 2020 alone (BloombergNEF).
• 1 million jobs in the energy sector are expected to be created by 2030, with a significant proportion in the renewable energy sector (International Renewable Energy Agency).

Sources:

• "Federal Energy Policy Under the Trump Administration" (K&L Gates)
• "Executive Order 13771: Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs" (White House)
• "Proposed Rule: Affordable Clean Energy Rule" (Environmental Protection Agency)
• "Tax Reform: House Releases Revised Tax Bill" (K&L Gates)
• "Renewable Energy 2020: The Year of COVID-19" (BloombergNEF)
• "Renewable Energy Targets for the European Union 2030" (European Commission)