INSIGHTSSERIES
Fossil Fuels | Natural Gas
August 17, 2026
Trump Administration Broadens Push to Expand U.S. Fossil Fuel Development
From Arctic drilling reforms to Defense Production Act support for coal and natural gas infrastructure, recent actions signal a stronger push to expand fossil fuels.
The Trump administration continues to pursue policies to expand fossil fuel development as part of its broader push for energy dominance. Recent actions include measures to improve access to…Read the full report
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Interior is accelerating access to federal oil and gas resources through Arctic drilling reforms and expanded onshore and offshore leasing, including major lease sales in Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve and the Gulf of America.
- DOE’s actions show continued support for expanding U.S. LNG export capacity, with LNG exports increasing by 26 percent to 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025, and forecast to reach 18.6 Bcf/d by 2027.
- The administration’s support for coal includes up to $500 million in funding for coal-fired power plants and export infrastructure, as well as emergency orders to keep multiple plants operating beyond planned retirement dates to preserve reliability.
