Warren bets big on Trump as energy moguls eye policy gains

Kelcy Warren, the billionaire behind Energy Transfer, has invested $5 million in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, hoping for favorable energy policies if Trump wins.

Mike Soraghan reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • Warren’s energy firm, Energy Transfer, built the Dakota Access Pipeline despite protests and profited during the 2021 Texas blackout.
  • A second Trump administration could ease regulations on natural gas exports and pipeline projects, boosting Warren's business.
  • Warren’s $5 million contribution makes him a top donor from the oil and gas industry to Trump.

Key quote:

“We have bad billionaire players that are only funding other billionaires ... to allow the destruction of Mother Earth.”

— Doug Crow Ghost, water resources director, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Why this matters:

Warren's political donations could influence future energy policies that affect environmental regulations. Support for Trump aligns with oil and gas industry interests that face scrutiny under current climate policy goals.

Related EHN coverage:

The River Thames and ferris wheel next to a large building on a sunny day

Powered by sunshine: London fruit and veg market now home to the city’s largest rooftop solar project

A sprawling London fresh produce market is producing its own power thanks to record-breaking rooftop solar.
Side view of red seats at a movie theater

The climate disaster behind 'The Odyssey'

New research finds the Bronze Age collapse of civilization emerged from water scarcity. Are droughts today pushing us toward a collapse of our own?
A pathway made from overlapping cement arches

The circular chemistry that could make cement carbon-negative

By closing the loop on the same reaction that makes cement, researchers say plants could capture more carbon dioxide than they release.

A red, high-speed passenger train hurtling down the tracks

Sun-Ways is testing out train track solar farms

A pilot program placing solar panels between the rails has proven successful enough that the idea is spreading to Italy, France, and Korea.

Hanging glacier with meltwater and snow sloughing from the tongue

Climate crisis could be destabilizing mountain areas like Nepal, experts warn

Unusual heat this year may have melted ice and thawed bonds that hold glaciers in place — leading to catastrophe.

A black woman sitting on a sofa with a blue hand fan

As Texans’ electricity costs soar and temperatures rise, a public health crisis brews

This is the first installment of “Powerless,” a series from Public Health Watch examining how rising temperatures and skyrocketing electricity costs are placing Texans in danger.
Offshore wind turbines against a setting sun

$900M from a canceled wind deal will benefit a Trump donor

The Trump administration’s latest deal to abandon offshore wind projects and boost investment in fossil fuels is set to deliver a windfall to a private equity firm run by one of the president's major donors.

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

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.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

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

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

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.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.