Whenever a newly elected president takes office there are bound to be several upcoming changes in a variety of both foreign and domestic policies. With Donald Trump’s inauguration now completed, there are several upcoming changes that are bound to have an impact on the future of alternative energy.
When the Keystone pipeline was being debated under the Obama administration, it took several months before a final verdict was reached and the project was stopped. However, Trump has already taken action in his first few weeks of office to revive the Keystone XL project. His decision to revive the project is based on the concept that it will help to spur job growth within the United States. It is thought that manufacturers will agree to use American steel as much as possible during the construction based on Trump’s instructions. Unfortunately, the exact degree of impact that the Keystone project will have on American job growth is not known. Many experts agree that the impact will be minimal and that jobs will only be temporary in nature for the most part. In addition to the Keystone project revival, Trump has also made several promises that appear to spell disaster for the future of alternative energy developments. In his America First Energy Plan, he has promised to reverse the Climate Action Plan instituted by former president Barack Obama in 2013. This plan was responsible for a variety of initiatives that were aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. It was also responsible for many other important elements like accelerating alternative energy developments on public land. It remains to be seen what further impacts his proposed energy plan will have. Another important development to follow is the appointment of Trump’s energy secretary pick, Rick Perry.
Rick Perry is Mr. Trump’s pick as the new energy secretary. Mr. Perry is well known for comments he made over five years ago about eliminating the agency he is now tasked with heading. However, he now admits that those comments were made in error and has acknowledged the vital role the agency plays in securing the nation’s energy future. On a positive note for alternative energy development, Mr. perry has acknowledged the existence of climate change. He has also promised to continue using his “all of the above” energy strategy when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This strategy was used during his tenure as Texas governor. During this time, Texas became one of the nation’s leading wind energy producers and is among the top ten producers of solar energy in the nation. Based on these figures, it is possible that alternative energy development may continue to grow and flourish with him as the new energy secretary.
Many states are deciding to rely on their own legislative process when it comes to the future of alternative energy development. In the last portion of the Illinois 2016 legislative session, a bill was passed that promotes alternative energy development with increased incentives Illinois isn’t alone in its advancements. Michigan has enacted similar bills that are designed to encourage investment and development in alternative energy by increasing existing incentives and increasing new ones. Large states like California are even working to create new laws and regulations to help encourage continued alternative energy research and development. The process is complicated by the fact that federal funding can realistically be pulled at any time with a new president in office. However, this has not changed their commitment to supporting reliable renewable energy.
While Trump has gone on record stating that he wants to exit the Paris climate deal, his energy secretary pick has gone on record voicing his support for the agreement. This creates a bit of a mixed message when it comes to the future of climate change and green industry developments like alternative energy.
Unfortunately, it is still too early to tell where the future of alternative energy is heading. Currently, it appears that some of Trump’s harsher stances like exiting the Paris climate deal have softened. However, he has advanced other policies like reactivating the XL pipeline talks.
It is important to remember that the president is just one piece of the legislative puzzle when it comes to both foreign and domestic policy. So far, the energy secretary has gone on record supporting many programs that are beneficial to alternative energy development. Ultimately, this is a situation where we will know more as newly elected officials begin taking office.
