Energy Summit Begins: Trump Administration Clearly Shifts Policies

The world’s largest energy conference, CERAWeek, began on March 10, 2025, in Houston, Texas. This high-profile event has drawn government officials, corporate executives, and industry experts from around the globe to discuss the future of energy production, consumption, and policy. The conference has already made headlines due to a major shift in U.S. energy policy, signaling a departure from the previous Biden administration’s environmental-focused approach.

Keynote Speech and LNG Export Approval

On the opening day of CERAWeek, Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy, delivered a speech that emphasized the importance of fossil fuels in the global economy. Wright described global warming as a “side effect of modern economic development,” framing it as an inevitable consequence of progress rather than a crisis requiring drastic action. This stance contrasts sharply with the Biden administration’s previous focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

In a bold move that underscored this policy shift, Wright signed a document extending the export permit for the Delfin LNG project off the coast of Louisiana until June 2029. This marks the fourth LNG export project approved since the Trump administration took office, reinforcing the new government’s commitment to expanding fossil fuel production and exports. Wright also stated that the pace of LNG export approvals would increase going forward, highlighting the administration’s goal of strengthening U.S. energy dominance and enhancing energy security for its allies.

Reversal of Biden Administration’s LNG Export Policy

This announcement signals a major reversal from the Biden administration’s stance on LNG exports. The Biden administration temporarily halted new LNG export permits on January 26, 2024, to balance climate change measures and energy security. LNG production, from extraction to combustion, emits greenhouse gases, with methane leaks posing a significant threat to global warming. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm warned that increased LNG exports could raise domestic energy prices and slow the adoption of renewable energy. In December 2024, the administration released an analysis on the economic and environmental impacts of LNG exports, signaling a cautious approach.

By lifting this restriction and fast-tracking LNG projects, the current administration is making a clear statement that economic growth and energy security take precedence over environmental concerns.

The Strategic Importance of LNG Exports

What do you think about this announcement? Do you think it’s a bad policy? Why? Yes, as you might expect, it will likely have a negative impact on the environment. Donald Trump knows he will face a lot of criticism, so why did he move forward with this policy? The decision to ramp up LNG exports marks a major shift in U.S. energy policy — and it’s not just about economics. This move reflects deeper geopolitical and strategic priorities. Think about it: increasing LNG exports strengthens America’s influence in global energy markets and helps reduce Europe’s and Asia’s dependence on Russian gas. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East, securing a stable energy supply has become more important than ever.

Wright emphasized that strengthening America’s energy supply is about more than just boosting production; it’s about national security and economic growth. More LNG exports mean more jobs and investment in the energy sector. The Delfin LNG project approval gives the U.S. greater flexibility to supply gas to Europe and Asia, positioning it as a reliable energy partner amid global instability.

Reactions from Industry and Environmental Groups

Not surprisingly, the energy industry is thrilled. At CERAWeek, executives from major oil and gas companies were openly optimistic about the administration’s shift. They believe that increasing the pace of LNG project approvals will make U.S. energy producers more competitive globally and attract foreign investment. For them, this is a win for business and the economy.

Environmental groups have criticized the expansion of fossil fuel production, including LNG exports. They believe it undermines efforts to address climate change. There are concerns that increasing LNG exports could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane leaks during production and transportation, which would accelerate global warming. Critics argue that the expansion of fossil fuels contradicts America’s previous climate policies and could slow the transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. For climate advocates, this policy shift represents a setback in the fight against climate change.

Policy Implications and Global Impact

So, what does this mean for the bigger picture? Increasing LNG exports could push down global natural gas prices, which might make it harder for renewable energy sources like wind and solar to compete — especially in developing countries where cost is a major factor. That could slow the global shift toward clean energy. Certainly, the prices of LNG and renewable energy are different. The price of LNG fluctuates significantly based on supply and demand and market conditions, with the 2023 price ranging from approximately $5 to $15 per million Btu. On the other hand, the cost of renewable energy generation has decreased due to technological advancements, with solar power costing around $30 to $60 per MWh and wind power ranging from $20 to $60 per MWh.

At the same time, this move strengthens America’s geopolitical position. By becoming a key supplier of LNG, the U.S. can reduce the influence of major gas exporters like Russia and Qatar. This gives America more leverage on the global stage and strengthens ties with allies who are eager to secure stable energy supplies.

Conclusion

The developments at CERAWeek 2025 mark a significant turning point for U.S. energy policy. The decision to approve the Delfin LNG project signals a renewed focus on fossil fuel production and export capacity, reversing the Biden administration’s previous caution. While the energy sector is embracing this shift, environmentalists are sounding the alarm. This sets the stage for an ongoing debate over America’s energy future.

If companies increasingly rely on LNG or other gases that emit a significant amount of GHGs, it could lead to a problem. It would become more challenging for companies to take action on CSR. The larger the company, the more they are expected by customers to reduce their environmental impact. And it’s not just American customers — this expectation extends globally. Therefore, if GHG emissions are inevitable, companies will need to consider how to offset them. This is where we can support them. If they must emit GHGs, we can help them contribute to environmental efforts through carbon credits. We are here to support these companies in their commitment to sustainability.