Replacing the climate crisis narrative: Department of Energy reverses Biden LNG pause, emphasizes return to energy dominance
By willowt // 2025-01-31
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  • The DOE has lifted the Biden-era moratorium on LNG exports, signaling a shift towards promoting American energy dominance.
  • The DOE's website now emphasizes "Restoring Energy Dominance," reflecting a strategic realignment from the previous administration's climate-focused policies to an emphasis on energy production and economic growth.
  • U.S. energy policy has historically oscillated between prioritizing fossil fuels and renewable energy, with the current shift mirroring past trends driven by political and economic factors.
  • Despite initial progress, the DOE faces challenges in fully purging climate-related content from federal websites, particularly at agencies like the EPA, NOAA and NASA.
  • The administration's renewed focus on energy dominance aims to secure America's position as a global energy leader, balancing environmental concerns with economic realities in the ongoing climate policy debate.
In a significant shift from the previous administration's climate-focused policies, the Department of Energy (DOE) has taken swift action to reverse the Biden-era moratorium on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. This move, effective as of today, marks a return to the Trump administration's emphasis on American energy dominance. The change reflects a broader effort to refocus federal websites and communications on energy production and economic growth, rather than what some critics call "climate propaganda."

Restoring energy dominance

The DOE's front page now prominently features the headline "Restoring Energy Dominance," signaling a clear departure from the previous administration's "Combating the Climate Crisis" narrative. President Donald J. Trump's Day One actions include the directive to "unleash American Energy Dominance," with immediate steps taken to resume the approval process for LNG export applications. Acting DOE Secretary Ingrid Kolb has directed the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) to resume consideration of pending applications to export American LNG to countries without a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States. This decision aligns with the Natural Gas Act and is intended to streamline regulatory processes and reduce inefficiencies. "We are committed to ensuring that the United States remains a global leader in energy production and export," said Acting Secretary Kolb. "This action will not only boost our economy but also enhance our energy security and that of our allies."

The energy policy pendulum

The shift in energy and environmental policy is not unprecedented. Over the past few decades, U.S. energy policy has swung between a focus on fossil fuels and a push for renewable energy. The Trump administration's first term (2017-2021) saw a significant emphasis on domestic fossil fuel production, which was then reversed by the Biden administration's climate-focused agenda. The return to energy dominance under the second Trump administration reflects a cyclical nature of policy priorities driven by political and economic factors. For example, the first Trump administration's repeal of the Clean Power Plan and the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement were seen as major steps to support the coal and oil industries. The Biden administration, in turn, reinstated the Paris Agreement and implemented stringent regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing debate over the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.

Challenges and future directions

While the DOE has made a promising start, there is still a long way to go in purging what some conservative critics label as "climate propaganda" from federal websites. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) still contain extensive sections on climate change, despite initial efforts to remove or bury these references. For instance, the EPA's website still hosts a dedicated climate change section, which includes content on the impacts of climate change and the agency's mission to protect human health. Similarly, NOAA and NASA continue to publish data and press releases highlighting the urgency of climate action. "Changing the communications of the prior administration is a monumental task," noted Francis Menton, a conservative blogger at the Manhattan Contrarian. "While the DOE has made commendable progress, the Biden-era climate narrative is pervasive and deeply embedded in many federal agencies. It will take time and concerted effort to fully address this issue."

A new era of energy focus

The DOE's actions signal a renewed commitment to American energy dominance and economic growth. As the administration continues to reshape federal communications, the focus will shift from climate change to the practical benefits of robust energy production and export. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the scope and effectiveness of these changes, as the new administration works to implement its energy and environmental policies. The return to energy dominance is not just a political statement; it is a strategic move that aims to secure America's position as a global energy leader. As the debate over climate policy continues, the Trump administration's approach underscores the importance of balancing environmental concerns with economic realities. Sources include: WattsUpWithThat.com Energy.gov DavisPolk.com TheConversation.com
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