trump
Trump’s plan to boost LNG exports could benefit China
Donald Trump’s plan to expand U.S. liquefied natural gas exports if re-elected may lead to increased sales to China, despite his tough rhetoric against the country.
In short:
- Trump’s energy policy aims to boost LNG exports, potentially increasing sales to China despite ongoing economic tensions.
- Environmentalists and some lawmakers warn that expanding LNG could worsen climate impacts and compromise U.S. energy security.
- Trump’s allies argue that selling more LNG to China could give the U.S. economic leverage over its rival.
Key quote:
“If you could provide an energy source to your great economic enemy that they’re paying cash for...if you could addict them to that, which would clean up their environment, wouldn’t that give you more leverage ultimately?”
— Rep. Frank Lucas, chair of the Science, Space and Technology Committee
Why this matters:
Increased U.S. LNG exports to China could strengthen economic ties but risk undermining environmental goals and escalating political tensions. This highlights the complex balancing act in U.S.-China relations.
Read more: LNG exports linked to deaths and rising health costs, report finds
Oil industry pours millions into Trump's campaign as Harold Hamm leads fundraising push
Harold Hamm, a billionaire oil tycoon, is rallying the energy sector to back Donald Trump’s presidential campaign with significant financial contributions.
Josh Dawsey and Maxine Joselow report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Harold Hamm is leveraging his influence in the oil industry to raise $1 billion for Trump’s 2024 campaign, arguing it’s critical to the industry's future.
- The oil and gas sector has already donated over $20 million to Trump’s campaign and related super PACs.
- Hamm has specific policy demands for a second Trump term, including more federal land drilling and reduced environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“We’ve got to do this because it’s the most important election in our lifetime.”
— Harold Hamm, CEO of Continental Resources.
Why this matters:
Harold Hamm’s efforts could shift policy significantly, favoring the oil industry at the expense of environmental protections. His fundraising influence may also shape Trump’s political agenda if elected.
Related:
World leaders worry about US climate role if Trump wins election
As the U.S. election nears, global climate advocates prepare for a potential rollback of green policies if Donald Trump wins the presidency.
In short:
- Concerned about Trump's past climate policies, activists and diplomats are strategizing to maintain climate initiatives and international agreements in his potential second term.
- The Biden administration is securing funding for clean energy and engaging China in reducing emissions, anticipating challenges under a possible Trump administration.
- Global meetings aim to reassure investors and reinforce the shift away from fossil fuels despite uncertainties about U.S. leadership.
Key quote:
“He will be a domestic and international climate wrecking ball. It would be malpractice to be unprepared.”
— Alden Meyer, E3G think tank
Why this matters:
Trump's election could derail international climate efforts and undermine financial support for clean energy initiatives. The stakes are high, as the next administration's policies will significantly impact global climate action.
Related EHN coverage:
Ohio groups plan to sustain clean energy efforts amid political shifts
Ohio advocates are intensifying their clean energy initiatives as the Republican party and Project 2025 aim to promote fossil fuels and reduce federal climate programs if Trump wins the 2024 election.
In short:
- Ohio local governments and groups have received millions in federal funding for clean energy projects under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
- The GOP’s Project 2025 could repeal these laws, threatening further funding and weakening environmental protections.
- Advocates are securing funding quickly to ensure ongoing projects and build goodwill that may protect future initiatives.
Key quote:
“We are taking a proactive approach to reach out to funders to secure funding to continue the work and advocacy for energy, climate and environmental justice.”
— SeMia Bray, co-leader for Black Environmental Leaders
Why this matters:
Federal funding has been crucial for Ohio’s clean energy progress, enabling significant projects that reduce emissions. A potential rollback of these programs could jeopardize environmental and community health gains.
Harris endorsed by 350 climate leaders ahead of 2024 election
More than 350 prominent climate advocates have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, citing her long-standing commitment to climate action.
In short:
- Climate leaders, including John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, endorsed Harris, emphasizing her dedication to climate issues.
- Harris has a history of climate advocacy, including legal action against fracking and promoting net-zero emissions.
- The endorsement aims to energize young voters who view climate change as a critical issue.
Key quote:
"Her candidacy instantly lit an electric spark under young people across the country."
— Jay Inslee, Governor of Washington.
Why this matters:
Harris's commitment to climate change could mobilize a key voter demographic concerned with environmental issues. This support may influence the direction of U.S. climate policy if she is elected.
Additional EHN coverage:
Biden proposes Supreme Court term limits and ethics code
President Biden advocates for term limits and a binding ethics code for Supreme Court justices to address concerns about the court's conservative majority impacting environmental protections.
In short:
- Biden's proposal aims to curb the Supreme Court's conservative influence by instituting 18-year term limits and an ethics code.
- Environmental groups support the move, citing the court's recent decisions undermining environmental regulations.
- The plan includes a constitutional amendment to eliminate immunity for crimes committed by former presidents while in office.
Key quote:
“What is happening now is not normal, and it undermines the public’s confidence in the court’s decisions, including those impacting personal freedoms. We now stand in a breach.”
— President Joe Biden
Why this matters:
Changes to the Supreme Court could shift its approach to environmental regulations and restore public trust in its impartiality. This move seeks to prevent a single presidency from significantly altering the court's composition for generations.
Trump aims to undo Biden's climate and energy efforts
Donald Trump plans to dismantle Joe Biden’s $1.6 trillion climate and energy initiatives if elected, affecting electric car and renewable energy projects.
By Kelsey Tamborrino, Timothy Cama, and Jessie Blaeser for POLITICO.
In short:
- Trump has vowed to redirect funds from Biden's climate programs to traditional infrastructure projects.
- He could use various methods to delay, alter, or halt the implementation of Biden’s climate agenda.
- Republican opposition and legal challenges may limit Trump’s ability to fully dismantle these programs.
Key quote:
“All of the trillions of dollars that are sitting there not yet spent, we will redirect that money for important projects like roads, bridges, dams and we will not allow it to be spent on meaningless Green New Scam ideas.”
— Donald Trump, former President of the United States
Why this matters:
Trump's proposed changes could significantly impact ongoing efforts to address climate change. This battle reflects broader political and economic debates over the future of energy policy in the U.S.
Related EHN coverage: