The Energy Policies of Joe Biden and Donald Trump: A Tale of Two Strategies

The energy policies of Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump illustrate two divergent visions for America’s energy future, particularly in fossil fuel production and environmental stewardship. While their approaches sharply contrast, both administrations have overseen significant developments in U.S. oil and gas production. This article delves into the policy differences, outcomes, and broader implications for America’s energy landscape.

Trump Administration: A Push for Fossil Fuel Expansion

During his presidency, Donald Trump prioritized increasing fossil fuel production by rolling back regulations and expanding drilling opportunities. His administration implemented policies aimed at boosting domestic energy output, which included:

  • Reducing Regulatory Barriers: Trump sought to ease restrictions on the oil and gas industry by rolling back numerous environmental regulations. This included revising the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to speed up approval processes for infrastructure projects.
  • Expanding Federal Leasing: The administration opened vast areas of federal lands and waters for oil and gas leasing. This included parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, a move that faced fierce opposition from environmental groups.
  • Fast-Tracking Permits: Trump’s team worked to expedite permitting processes, allowing energy projects to move forward with fewer regulatory hurdles.
  • Drilling Ban in Key Coastal Areas: In a strategic decision during the 2020 election cycle, Trump implemented a 10-year moratorium on offshore drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. This move responded to local opposition and political considerations, particularly in key battleground states.

Despite his pro-oil stance, Trump’s policies faced legal and bureaucratic challenges, limiting the full realization of his energy expansion agenda. However, his deregulatory approach contributed to a surge in oil and gas production, supported by market forces and technological advancements.

Biden Administration: A Shift Toward Clean Energy

President Joe Biden entered office with a strong commitment to addressing climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. His energy policy has focused on a gradual transition toward renewable energy while still maintaining a pragmatic approach to energy security. Key elements of Biden’s strategy include:

  • Federal Leasing Moratorium: Early in his presidency, Biden placed a temporary moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters. However, this was later blocked by a federal judge, leading to continued leasing under a more restrictive framework.
  • Regulations on Methane Emissions: The administration enacted strict regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions from natural gas operations, a move designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
  • Increased Royalties and Fees: Biden increased royalty rates for fossil fuel extraction on federal lands, making drilling more expensive in an effort to push the industry toward cleaner energy alternatives.
  • Largest Offshore Drilling Withdrawal in U.S. History: In January 2025, Biden withdrew over 625 million acres of federal waters from future oil and gas leasing. This sweeping action included the entire Atlantic Coast, Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Outer Continental Shelf off Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as parts of Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea.
  • Investment in Renewable Energy: Biden’s energy policy emphasizes investment in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, alongside infrastructure developments such as electric vehicle charging networks and battery storage technology.

While Biden’s policies reflect a clear commitment to climate action, economic and political realities have required a balanced approach. For instance, his administration has approved a significant number of drilling permits, many of which were granted for leases issued under the Trump administration.

Oil and Gas Production Under Both Administrations

Despite their stark policy differences, both administrations have presided over an increase in U.S. oil and gas production. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:

  • Long-Term Energy Development Cycles: The oil and gas industry operates on long timelines. Decisions made during one administration often bear fruit years later. For example, many of the permits approved during Biden’s term were tied to leases issued during Trump’s presidency.
  • Technological Advancements: Innovations in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling have led to increased production efficiency, driving record-high output regardless of political leadership.
  • Market Dynamics: Global energy demand, OPEC decisions, and geopolitical events (such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine) have influenced production trends, sometimes compelling even environmentally conscious administrations to maintain robust fossil fuel production.

While Biden has championed clean energy policies, the economic necessity of maintaining energy independence has led to a more complex reality—one where fossil fuel production remains strong even as the administration promotes renewable alternatives.

Conclusion: Two Approaches, One Outcome

The energy strategies of Presidents Trump and Biden represent two different paths—one focused on deregulation and expansion of fossil fuel extraction, the other on balancing energy security with climate concerns. Despite these contrasts, oil and gas production has continued to grow under both administrations, driven by technological progress and market forces.

As the U.S. navigates its energy future, the challenge remains: how to transition to cleaner energy while ensuring economic stability and national security. With climate change concerns intensifying, future administrations will likely face even greater pressure to reconcile these competing priorities.

References