Trump to Announce National Energy Emergency and Sign Executive Order for Alaska
Trump’s ‘close to 100’ executive orders will feature a declaration of a national emergency.
President-elect Donald Trump is poised to sign nearly 100 executive orders right after taking office, which will include the announcement of “a national energy emergency” supported by an “Unleash American Energy” executive order, alongside a set of policies aimed at invigorating his “drill baby drill” energy agenda.
A White House official confirmed during a call that Trump plans to declare a national energy emergency due to what they deem “unnecessary” high energy costs.
“These costs are intentional and result from policy decisions. We can change that,” the official stated.
The official added that the primary focus of Trump’s “Unleash American Energy” executive order is national security. The urgency surrounding the executive order is vital “because we are in an AI competition with China, and our capability to generate domestic American energy is crucial for producing the electricity and power needed to remain at the forefront of global technology,” the official explained.
In addition to reducing regulations and red tape, this executive order will eliminate the electric vehicle mandate.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy had requested in November 2024 the expansion of fossil fuel development in Alaska’s 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve and 19.6 million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to “make both Alaska and America great again.”
Trump will instruct the Department of the Interior to reinstate oil and gas leasing opportunities for 13,000 acres of the National Petroleum Reserve and comply with federal law to expand leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, effectively undoing President Joe Biden’s orders that had reversed Trump’s policies from his first term.
“It’s a vital region from which we could export LNG [liquefied natural gas], not just to the United States but also to our allies in the Asia Pacific,” the official remarked.
Trump is also set to enact a national energy emergency, enabling the nation to rapidly increase its oil and gas production.
A White House official revealed that this executive move will aim to lower high energy costs, boost natural resource production, and generate jobs.
The national energy emergency will also be enacted to enhance national security and keep pace with China in the race for artificial intelligence.
“Our capacity to produce U.S. domestic energy is essential so that we can generate the necessary electricity and power to stay at the cutting edge of technology globally,” the official emphasized.
While White House officials did not specify an oil price target, they indicated that increased domestic production should help reduce prices over time.
The United States produces approximately 13.5 million barrels per day, outperforming both Russia and Saudi Arabia. Economists and industry experts have noted that the decision for energy companies to ramp up production will depend on market dynamics and pricing.
During his first term, many of Trump’s executive orders focused on energy initiatives, including advancing the long-stalled Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines.
Trade and Inflation
Though lacking specifics, Trump plans to sign a presidential memorandum addressing inflation that highlights a comprehensive governmental approach to reducing prices.
Officials from the incoming administration have underscored the importance of accelerating energy production to tackle inflation.
Additionally, Trump is expected to elaborate on his trade policy.
“We will begin charging those profiting from trade with us, and they will finally start paying their fair share,” Trump stated. “January 20, 2025, will mark the inception of the External Revenue Service.”