While “energy dominance” may seem like a clear objective for the Trump administration to pursue, there is actually more to this two-word phrase than meets the eye.
It goes without saying that nothing is more important than energy, especially a reliable source of energy in the face of an energy crisis and a growing demand for it. Indeed, not only is energy required to keep us cool in the face of a warming planet, but it is also imperative for the data centers that are fueling the AI revolution. Indeed, President Trump, realizing this importance, has proclaimed “energy dominance” to be a central goal of his administration.
And it is energy dominance that the Center for the National Interest has chosen to be the subject of its most recent symposium. Many distinguished authors provided articles attempting to define “energy dominance,” state how the country is going to get there, and elaborate on what the country will do once it gets this status. And four of the contributors are here to discuss their arguments in more detail.
As President Trump’s energy policies focus on output and the production of oil and gas, they are a 180-degree turn from President Biden’s focus on green and renewable energy. Since his inauguration, for example, President Trump has signed legislation allowing for the opening up of more land for oil drilling, as well as other policies that are aimed at enabling the United States to produce as much energy as possible and thus wean itself off of China.
But is that the best definition of “energy dominance”?
Other individuals argue that “energy dominance” means expanding our energy supply in a way that lowers emissions, positions the United States as a leader in the changing energy landscape, and doesn’t raise electricity prices. This requires us to base our energy policy on facts, instead of politics, and this requires admitting that solar and wind are the fastest-growing sources of energy in the country and are rapidly becoming more affordable and cost-effective. When coupled with developments in reliable energy storage for days when the sun is not shining and the wind is not blowing, the United States could be well-positioned as a global leader in green energy.
To read Diana Furchtgott-Roth’s article, click here.
To read Kendra Hughes’s article (co-authored with Lucero Marquez), click here.
To read Brian Murray’s article, click here.
To read Luke Bolar’s article, click here.
Image: Shutterstock/Aree_S
