The American Petroleum Institute (API) unveiled a five-point policy plan for the incoming Trump administration on Tuesday, proposing to eliminate several Biden-era climate initiatives. The proposal surfaced during the global United Nations climate conference, yet it notably omits any mention of “climate change.” While the document asserts a commitment to emission reductions, its recommendations could hinder efforts to achieve this goal.
Central to API’s agenda is the repeal of tailpipe and fuel economy standards for vehicles, a significant source of U.S. carbon emissions. The plan also seeks to rescind a waiver permitting California and 12 other states to impose stricter vehicle regulations, aiming to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
API’s demands include a new five-year strategy to expand offshore oil and gas drilling leases and reversing Biden’s restrictions on new drilling on public lands. Additionally, the industry calls for expedited natural gas export permits, a process slowed by the current administration to assess climate impact.
A major request involves abolishing a methane emission fee, recently confirmed by the Biden administration. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a primary component of natural gas, often released during oil and gas production.
API CEO Mike Sommers stated intentions to lobby Congress for energy project permitting reforms and to maintain the corporate tax benefits established in 2017. Sommers highlighted the role of energy in Trump’s electoral success, asserting that the proposals would boost U.S. oil and gas production, which has increased under President Biden.
Environmental advocates criticized the proposal. Jason Rylander of the Center for Biological Diversity labeled it a “toxic” plan favoring the oil industry over environmental and community health. He pledged legal challenges if necessary.
Despite API’s stated support for the Paris Agreement’s goals, some proposals appear inconsistent with these aims. Sommers noted internal support for federal methane regulation but opposed the specific fee enacted by the Biden administration. He did not clarify what alternative fee would be acceptable.
ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods urged the new administration to uphold the Paris Agreement during comments at COP29, the UN climate meeting in Azerbaijan. This year, projected as the hottest on record, underscores scientists’ calls for reduced oil and gas production to meet climate targets.
Kathy Harris of the Natural Resources Defense Council defended vehicle efficiency standards, which she says save Americans significantly at the pump, opposing oil industry efforts to weaken them. Anne Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade criticized the API agenda as outdated, emphasizing its disconnect from modern high-mileage and electric vehicle technologies.
The oil sector heavily supported Trump’s campaign financially and anticipates collaboration with his administration. However, potential conflicts exist, such as the industry’s potential opposition to new tariffs that could impede free oil and gas trade, a key Trump promise.
Many API-backed changes could be implemented administratively, but some, including repealing the methane fee, would require congressional approval. Environmental groups are preparing legal actions to challenge these initiatives, as they did during Trump’s previous tenure.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org