Trump makes big moves on energy, climate early in return to presidency

In this episode of the Energy Evolution podcast, Taylor Kuykendall discusses significant shifts in US energy policy following President Donald Trump's inauguration. On January 20, Trump declared a national energy emergency, aiming to reverse several Biden administration policies that he views as detrimental to domestic energy production. Key proposals include ending what he has called the electric vehicle mandate, increasing oil and gas leasing on federal lands, and streamlining energy infrastructure permitting. Trump also plans to revoke climate-related regulations and halt funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, potentially slowing the growth of renewable energy initiatives. The episode features insights from three experts: Anna Mosby from S&P Global, Jonathan Elkind from Columbia University and Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. Marsh shares his perspective on the green hydrogen industry and the potential implications of an administration change on the recent $1.66 billion loan guarantee from the Department of Energy for his company. He expresses optimism about the hydrogen sector's future, despite concerns about regulatory changes under the new administration. Energy Evolution has merged with Platts Future Energy, and episodes are now published on Tuesdays.