Trump's push for fossil fuels could clash with Europe's green transition

As the U.S. boosts fossil fuel deals under Trump and Biden, Europe's shift to renewables risks reducing demand for American gas.

Gabriel Gavin and Ben Lefebvre report for POLITICO.

In short:

Donald Trump and Joe Biden are both promoting U.S. fossil fuel exports, but Europe's decreasing gas demand could undermine these plans.
Europe's commitment to reducing emissions has led to a significant drop in gas usage, with a shift towards renewable energy.
U.S. companies, expecting a decline in European demand, are pivoting towards Asia for future gas and LNG markets.

Key quote:

"We expect that demand for natural gas is going to continue declining at pace. Given we have these climate commitments, the expectation is that demand will be lower by 2030, even lower by 2040, with the effect that there is no long-term gas demand in Europe."

— Georg Zachmann, senior fellow at economics think tank Bruegel

Why this matters:

The clash between U.S. fossil fuel ambitions and Europe's renewable energy goals could lead to oversupply and economic repercussions. As Europe reduces gas dependency, American companies will need to adapt to changing global energy demands.

www.politico.eu

Trump's push for fossil fuels could clash with Europe's green transition

New storms pound the South as families mourn lost lives and homes

New FEMA chief says states must take the lead on disaster recovery this hurricane season

Republicans aim to slash green energy tax credits despite risk of higher bills and job losses

Clean energy jobs put Arizona Republican at odds with GOP plan to gut climate law

House Republicans push to end solar tax breaks, putting rooftop systems out of reach for many

Trump aims to tighten White House grip on nuclear regulation

Major insurer drops coverage for Louisiana LNG project amid pollution concerns

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.