Dozens gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington for the America First Policy Institute’s (AFPI) Global Energy Summit, a significant event for the conservative energy sector.
This summit celebrated AFPI’s achievements, reuniting key figures and highlighting perceived threats from environmental policies to individual freedoms.
From the start, a tone of both triumph and urgency pervaded. “Governments globally misuse environmentalism to infringe on citizens’ freedoms,” said Oliver McPherson-Smith, AFPI’s vice chair of energy and environment.
Such strong language is typical from AFPI, established after President Trump’s electoral defeat in 2021. The group has criticized what it calls climate alarmism used by the Biden administration to justify extensive policy changes.
For attendees, Trump’s return is seen as a form of redemption. “In this darkness of global green socialism, hope persists under President Trump’s leadership,” declared McPherson-Smith. “We are committed to advancing America’s energy model.”
AFPI’s summit aimed to unite energy policy experts to address pressing topics: affordability, reliability, and independence. Ted Ellis, AFPI’s “Power America” campaign director, emphasized reversing subsidies for renewable energy and lifting bans on U.S. LNG exports.
High-profile speakers, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, described efforts to combat policies they see as anti-energy. A recent focus was halting a potential global carbon tax, which faced pressure from Trump’s administration, as reported by Grist.
After intense lobbying, a decision to delay the net-zero framework until 2026 was achieved, shifting the vote in favor of postponement, with support from the U.S. and other nations.
Wright credited this to Trump’s influence and the administration’s dedication. AFPI’s agenda, outlined in its 2022 policy book, rejects the notion that environmental progress and economic growth are incompatible, advocating for modernization of key environmental laws.
Despite criticism, Trump has pursued policies favoring fossil fuels, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, described as a boon for the fossil fuel sector, while challenging the EPA’s regulations on emissions.
AFPI claims Trump’s administration has enacted over 86% of its agenda within the first 100 days. The organization’s success is partly attributed to deep connections within Trump’s circle, as discussed in a New York Times report.
Rollins, co-founder of AFPI, now serves as agriculture secretary despite limited background in the field, illustrating the group’s extensive influence and preparedness for Trump’s second term.
AFPI’s origins are linked to fossil fuel interests, with initial support from Texas oil magnate Tim Dunn. Now, five years later, these connections appear to be paying dividends.
“We are living in a historic moment,” Wright said. “This will be discussed for centuries, and we are part of it.”
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org