Both Project 2025 and President Trump’s policies underscore the importance of fossil fuels in achieving energy dominance. The playbook advocates for reversing what it describes as the “war on oil and natural gas” by rolling back regulations that restrict fossil fuel production. In parallel, Trump has issued executive orders expanding oil and gas exploration, reopening federal lands for drilling, and reducing restrictions on traditional energy industries.
In early 2025, the administration approved a significant expansion of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic, reversing prior restrictions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also relaxed methane emission regulations, allowing for increased production in the Permian Basin and other key oil fields. Additionally, Project 2025 calls for repealing major climate-focused legislation, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), both of which allocated substantial funding to renewable energy initiatives. The Trump administration has already taken steps to cut renewable energy subsidies and halt federal support for solar and wind projects, redirecting resources toward fossil fuel development.
A core recommendation of the “historic movement” is the restructuring of the Department of Energy (DOE) to focus on energy production rather than regulatory oversight. The playbook suggests eliminating offices that support renewable energy initiatives, including the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Trump’s policies reflect this vision, with efforts underway to shift the department’s priorities toward traditional energy production and national energy security.
Similarly, the playbook calls for limiting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) authority over energy markets, focusing instead on ensuring the reliability of fossil fuel-based energy. Trump’s administration has initiated reforms within FERC, prioritizing energy security over climate-focused regulations. In February 2025, FERC commissioners appointed by Trump introduced new rules that ease restrictions on natural gas pipeline approvals, accelerating infrastructure development.
A key theme in Project 2025 is the rollback of environmental policies implemented under previous administrations. The playbook advocates for reducing government intervention in energy markets, eliminating federal clean energy mandates, and withdrawing from international climate agreements.
In alignment with these recommendations, President Trump has once again withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, officially notifying the United Nations in January 2025. The administration has also repealed executive orders requiring federal agencies to consider climate impacts in decision-making and directed agencies to eliminate references to climate change in policy frameworks. The Department of the Interior has reversed previous bans on coal leasing on federal lands, increasing production in states like Wyoming and Montana. Furthermore, regulatory agencies are now tasked with prioritizing economic growth over environmental considerations, mirroring the playbook’s emphasis on energy affordability and national security.
Beyond policy changes, Project 2025 stresses the importance of appointing leaders who support its energy and deregulation agenda. The Trump administration has followed suit, nominating Chris Wright, a known advocate for fossil fuels, as Secretary of Energy. Wright's tenure is expected to focus on reducing regulatory barriers for oil and gas companies while limiting government intervention in energy markets.
Additionally, the administration is working to streamline federal agencies by consolidating energy-related functions into a newly proposed “Department of Government Efficiency,” which aligns with the playbook’s recommendation for reducing bureaucratic complexity and oversight. Meanwhile, key positions in the EPA, Department of the Interior, and FERC have been filled by individuals with deep ties to the oil and gas industry, ensuring that the administration’s pro-fossil fuel stance is reflected across federal agencies.
The alignment between Project 2025 and President Trump’s energy policy shifts is evident across multiple dimensions, from fossil fuel promotion and DOE restructuring to climate policy rollbacks and strategic appointments. As the administration continues to implement its agenda, the U.S. energy landscape is set to undergo a fundamental transformation, prioritizing traditional energy sources over renewables while reducing federal oversight. These developments highlight a broader conservative effort to reshape national energy policy, reinforcing economic and energy security as central pillars of governance.
