Top trade association sends letters calling on big changes in three key departments: ‘Unleash American energy’
The American Exploration & Production Council, a top national trade organization representing leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States, has recently sent letters to three key departments within the Trump administration. These letters advocate for specific policies that the group believes will best achieve President Trump’s goal to “unleash American energy” in the United States.
In a letter addressed to the Department of Energy, the AXPC made several requests, including urging the department to resume timely approval of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export approvals. The council emphasized the critical role that U.S. LNG plays in geopolitical stability and supporting global emission reductions. As the world’s largest natural gas producer, the U.S. is well-positioned to meet the challenge of supplying affordable, clean, and reliable energy to the global market while reducing global emissions. The AXPC called for the immediate lifting of the permitting pause and stressed the importance of using well-reasoned assumptions in any public interest study.
Furthermore, the council’s recommendations to the Department of Energy included promoting U.S. energy exports, ensuring fair access to export authorizations, avoiding unnecessary delays, providing greater certainty for critical energy and infrastructure projects, and enhancing energy reliability with advanced natural gas storage.
In a separate letter to the Department of Interior, the AXPC outlined recommendations focused on policy priorities within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the department as a whole. These recommendations aim to support responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States while maintaining crucial environmental protections and fostering economic growth.
Recommendations to the Department of Interior included revoking the BLM’s Conservation & Landscape Health Rule, streamlining drilling permits, aligning resources management plan amendments with western states’ priorities, and allowing for the commingling of oil and gas production for greater efficiency and environmental protection.
The AXPC also addressed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a separate letter, focusing on policy priorities that directly impact responsible onshore exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States. Recommendations to the EPA included revising source performance standards to improve feasibility for emission controls and providing greater allowance for alternative technologies and approaches. The council also called for reforms to the Clean Water Act and modifications to the Greenhouse Gas reporting rule.
AXPC CEO Anne Bradbury emphasized the importance of sensible, workable, and durable policies to strengthen America’s position as a world leader in energy production. The council looks forward to working with the Trump administration to achieve energy dominance and provide affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy for the American people.
Trump’s nominees in all three departments have indicated their intention to implement new policies and guidelines that will significantly increase oil and gas production while easing regulations. DOI secretary nominee Doug Burgum highlighted the importance of energy dominance in reducing dependence on foreign energy sources and promoting economic growth while also championing clean air, clean water, and the protection of natural lands.
In conclusion, the AXPC’s advocacy for specific policies to unleash American energy aligns with President Trump’s vision of energy dominance. By working collaboratively with the administration, the council aims to drive innovation and growth in the energy sector while prioritizing environmental protection and economic prosperity for all Americans.
