President Trump has announced that he will end the Obama-era policy that has curtailed the financing of coal plants abroad and is aiming to achieve American ‘energy dominance’, in doing so, shifting American energy policy away from combatting climate change. Trump said that growing US energy exports are creating “millions and millions” of jobs and that the US is a top producer of petroleum and the “No.1 exporter of natural gas”, indicating a clear preference for fossil fuels over renewables.
As part of American ‘Energy Week’, Trump announced steps he has taken to reverse environmental legislation, particularly where it impacts US production through controls on greenhouse gas emissions. He has also announced a review of American policy on nuclear energy, with a view to stimulating a new ‘nuclear revival’.
“We support President Trump’s strategic vision to seek American energy dominance” said CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Tom Kiernan, reacting to President Trump’s announcements. “The wind industry - America’s largest source of renewable energy capacity - stands ready to do our part implementing the President’s vision to deliver American jobs, investment and prosperity. We are proud to join with the White House recognising Energy Week and highlighting how wind power works for America. The Administration’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, including resources like wind, can work to make America safer and more self-reliant while growing the economy. We know this because the U.S. is already a global leader in wind power with world-class natural resources”.
Mr Kiernan added that American wind turbines are among the most productive in the world and that wind power is breathing new life into rural and Rust Belt communities, building new schools, fixing roads, improving emergency services, and creating well-paying jobs. By tapping into more of America’s wind resources between now and the end of President Trump’s first term, the US can generate $85 billion in new economic activity and nearly 50,000 new jobs direct and indirect jobs, according to Navigant Consulting.
Kiernan said that the AWEA embraces the Administration’s plan to expand America’s leadership and fully harness the nation’s abundant energy potential from all sources. Eliminating barriers and approving vital infrastructure, including electric transmission lines and wind energy projects, will put even more Americans to work and unlock America’s vast energy potential. A true all-of-the-above energy strategy will ensure American energy dominance.
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