Trump moves quickly to reverse Biden’s EV mandate and other energy restrictions

 

Drilling in Alaska, reversing Biden’s EV mandate, lightbulbs, dishwashsers, toilets and gas stoves—-all were targeted Monday by President Donald Trump in his executive orders signed within hours after he was sworn into office for a second term at the White House.

On day one of his second presidency, Donald Trump signed executive orders reversing the anti-oil and gas policies implemented by former President Joe Biden.

One of two executive orders opens drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and National Petroleum Reserve. It directs the Interior Department to reinstate drilling rights that had been revoked under President Biden.

The second executive order has broader impact as it directs a review of all policies that “burden the development of domestic energy resources.” It especially targets Biden’s electric vehicle push, stating, it is now a policy “to eliminate the ‘electric vehicle (EV) mandate.'” The order also targeted the efficiency rules created by the Biden administration for household appliances, including gas stoves, shower heads, washing machines and lightbulbs.

Another impact of the second order is a review of a policy that might prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing climate regulations. The EPA is under direcction to reassess the 2009 finding that climate change poses a health risk and should be regulated, reported The Hill.

The order also attempts to resume natural gas exports which had been frozen by the Biden White House.

Trump’s signing of the executive orders, hours before he even attended the inauguration balls, drew quick support from various energy groups.

“We applaud President Trump’s decisive action to maximize the benefits from our nation’s abundant and essential energy and to protect consumer choice for each and every American,” said American Gas Association President and CEO Karen Harbert in a statement. “America needs simple, commonsense reforms to protect our citizens’ access to affordable, efficient, low-emissions and reliable energy and make America competitive and secure.”

She told Congress last week the use of natural gas still saves an average American household an average of $1,132 a year compared to all-electric homes.

The President’s decclaration of a national energy emergency, was good news to Tim Tarpley, president of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. He said it signals a decisive step to strengthening America’s energy security.

“By rolling back burdensome regulations and prioritizing permitting reform, we can unlock the full potential of American energy production, create jobs, and provide affordable, reliable energy for consumers across the country.”