How to read Trump's "dominant" energy goal
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The new GOP platform is two things at once on energy: an aspirational document yet one that arguably describes present reality, too.
Why it matters: The Trump-y document calls for the U.S. to be energy "dominant" and to "drill, baby, drill" and end "crippling restrictions" on production and ... you get the point.
- Missing is any mention of climate change. It calls for "terminating the Socialist Green New Deal," which is more of a call to arms than a strict policy proposal and has never moved legislatively.
The intrigue: It comes as the U.S. is already the world's largest oil producer — it's not close anymore, as you can see above — the largest gas producer, and the largest LNG exporter.
- The Energy Department's independent stats arm sees U.S. oil production growing to an average of almost 13.8 million barrels per day in 2025.
- LNG exports are also slated to keep rising based on projects approved and under construction.
- Looking at all energy sources together, production now outpaces consumption.
Yes, but: Republicans and some industry officials argue the U.S. isn't reaching its full potential and that President Biden closed off exploration that would help sustain future production and investment.
- They point to steps like barring development on huge swaths of Alaskan federal lands, and the pause on new LNG export licenses to major markets, to name just two.
- Critics essentially argue the White House is sowing the seeds for reduced geopolitical leverage.
The bottom line: "Dominance" is a relative term.
