As Donald Trump eyes a return to the presidency, allies and former officials are already plotting a swift, organized start, preparing policy and personnel strategies for energy and environmental sectors.
Robin Bravender reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Conservative groups and ex-Trump officials are actively compiling lists of potential appointees and drafting policy plans for a possible second Trump administration focused on energy and environment.
- The efforts are partly driven by lessons learned from the slow start of Trump's first term, with an emphasis on being operationally ready from day one.
- Not all are eager to return, citing the chaos and potential legal risks associated with serving in a Trump administration, highlighting the complexity of assembling a loyal and effective team.
Key quote:
"There's a recognition that a new Trump administration has to get started a lot earlier."
— Myron Ebell, former Trump EPA transition team leader
Why this matters:
The specifics of how a future Trump administration might address energy and environmental positions and policies can be projected based on his previous tenure. During that time, the administration pursued policies that prioritized deregulation, energy independence, and the support of fossil fuel industries.
In 2020, Peter Dykstra wrote of Trump’s ‘other’ war: No, not the war against the press. Or impeachment. Or immigrants. Or reality. But the swamp-draining, regulation-stomping, soul-crushing assault on the environment.
