It’s been a busy week for the Trump administration’s efforts to shape the energy industry in its specific vision. Here’s the rundown ➡️
On climate: Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed that the Trump administration is rewriting previously published National Climate Assessments. The reports are now being retroactively altered to “fix” what Wright considers “unfair” or “objectionable” content. (CNN)
On personnel: The Trump administration is pushing to remove Mary Warlick, the IEA’s second-in-command, as part of a broader effort to dictate the agency’s direction. The administration has publicly criticized the IEA for its shifting forecasts that anticipate peak oil and gas demand. (E&E News)
On renewables: The Trump Interior Department is launching new rules that require that virtually all decisions, permits, consults, and approvals for wind projects—especially those involving federal lands, waters, or funding—must pass through multiple high-level reviews including sign-off by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. This additional scrutiny covers more than 60 types of routine permitting actions, adding significant layers of political oversight. (DOI)