a large array of solar panels in a desert.

Trump seeks to prioritize fossil fuels while rolling back renewable energy efforts

President Trump issued executive orders aimed at curtailing renewable energy development and expanding fossil fuel production, invoking an "energy emergency" that experts dispute.

Lisa Friedman, Coral Davenport and Brad Plumer report for The New York Times.

In short:

The orders aim to halt federal funding for clean energy projects, revoke offshore wind leases and ease restrictions on fossil fuel production.
Trump’s definition of energy excludes solar, wind and battery technologies, focusing on oil, gas, coal and uranium.
Legal challenges are expected, as some orders appear to conflict with federal law and Congressional mandates.

Key quote:

“These emergency provisions are for disasters like what is happening in the Palisades. They’re not for ‘because I want to drill, baby, drill’.”

— Patrick Parenteau, emeritus professor of environmental law at the Vermont Law School

Why this matters:

By restricting renewable energy projects and boosting fossil fuel industries, these policies could undermine progress in combating climate change. Renewable energy, already a growing part of the global economy, plays a critical role in reducing emissions and driving innovation.

www.nytimes.com

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