In his second term as president, Donald Trump has initiated a series of coordinated and multifaceted actions to redefine regulations, appointments, and key institutions related to energy and the environment in favor of fossil fuels.
Reza Edalatipour :According to Gas Bonyan, an analysis of six major reports from credible sources over the past two weeks reveals that the Trump administration is systematically working in three main areas: implementing managerial changes in key institutions, rewriting or repealing regulations restricting the fossil fuel industry, and creating obstacles for renewable energy to facilitate conditions for oil companies and fossil fuel producers.
Pressuring International Institutions to Shift Policies
In this regard, Politico on Sunday, August 9, revealed in two separate reports that the Trump administration and its Republican allies in Congress have exerted significant pressure on the International Energy Agency (IEA) to remove Mary Warlick, the American deputy of the organization.
This pressure stems from the IEA’s opposition to forward-looking analyses predicting a decline in oil and gas demand and its emphasis on investing in wind and solar energy.
Interestingly, Washington has even threatened to cut the U.S.’s 14% funding to the organization if its demands are ignored.
Targeted Appointments to Facilitate Fossil Fuel Export Expansion
Along these lines, Bloomberg on Saturday, August 8, reported that Trump intends to appoint David Rosner, a Biden administration appointee aligned with Senator Joe Manchin, as the head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
This commission plays a key role in issuing permits for natural gas export terminals and electricity transmission lines, and Rosner’s appointment could pave the way for increased gas and coal exports.
Rewriting Climate Regulations to Remove Restrictions
Previously, CNN in a report dated July 23, 2025, revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Trump’s leadership is preparing a proposal to repeal the Endangerment Finding.
This regulation, in place since 2009, has been the cornerstone of restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.
This move could eliminate federal tools to combat climate change, effectively opening the door for unrestricted oil and gas project development.
Dual Policy: Supporting Fossil Fuels While Opposing Renewables
In parallel, the New York Times in a report dated August 9, 2025, noted that the Trump administration has imposed stringent restrictions on wind energy projects, citing the protection of bald eagles.
Meanwhile, it had previously relaxed regulations protecting birds and habitats for the oil and gas industries.
This dual policy clearly indicates the administration’s goal of reducing the share of renewable energy while strengthening fossil fuels in the national energy mix.
Expanding Oil and Gas Drilling in the Arctic: Strong Reactions from Indigenous and Environmental Groups
Finally, The Guardian reported yesterday that the Trump administration plans to open the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A) for oil and gas drilling.
This move, encompassing the largest public land in the U.S., spanning 23 million acres, has sparked strong backlash from Alaska’s Indigenous groups and environmental activists.
They are concerned about severe damage to the habitats of polar bears, millions of migratory birds, and other sensitive species.
Additionally, pollution from gas flaring poses risks to the health of local communities, causing respiratory issues and various diseases.
Critics have described this move as a “wipeout of years of conservation efforts” and warn that Arctic oil projects could continue for decades—at a time when greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced to address the climate crisis.
The Trump administration’s actions in the energy and environmental sectors reflect a deliberate and systematic strategy to revert to policies favoring fossil fuels.
These policies involve changing key managerial figures, repealing restrictive regulations, and undermining renewable energy.
This approach is pursued not only domestically and at the federal level but also internationally, with pressure on institutions like the International Energy Agency.
However, the consequences of these policies extend beyond economics and energy. Reopening environmentally sensitive reserves like the Arctic and dismantling climate regulations could rapidly cause irreparable harm to ecosystems and Indigenous communities, ultimately exacerbating the risks of climate change.
