US President Donald Trump's ambitious push to boost fossil fuels has sparked fierce criticism from environmentalists, scholars, and Democrats over the rising cost of electricity and worsening climate crisis. The administration's decision to revive ageing coal plants, which are expected to be costly and time-consuming to repair, has been particularly contentious.
Critics argue that these moves make little sense from an environmental protection or cost perspective. Naomi Oreskes, a Harvard University science historian and professor of earth and planetary sciences, described the policies as "dangerous and short-sighted" that will "throw environmental protection under the bus and raise prices at the same time."
The administration's efforts to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have also been linked to higher electricity costs. According to data from Public Citizen, US households spent an extra $12 billion on natural gas between January and September last year, which coincided with a 22% jump in LNG exports backed by the Trump administration.
Industry leaders and donors close to Trump, including billionaire fracking mogul Harold Hamm, have played a significant role in shaping his energy policies. The White House has indicated that its goal is to "stop the political closure of coal plants," but critics argue that this move will only exacerbate the climate crisis.
Energy experts point out that large-scale wind and solar projects are now the fastest and cheapest way to add generating capacity, yet Trump's administration is actively blocking these initiatives. Naomi Oreskes summed it up as an "ideologically driven" decision that prioritizes donor interests over environmental protection.
A recent study by Public Citizen found that rising LNG exports have contributed significantly to higher electricity prices for American consumers. The report stated that Trump's decision to expedite LNG exports with no protections for price increases for consumers is a key contributor to the energy affordability crisis.
Despite this, fossil fuel billionaires are continuing to pollute the air, land, and water while busting budgets every month through massive exports of fossil fuels, according to Massachusetts Democratic senator Edward Markey. The administration's policies have sparked widespread criticism, with many experts warning that they will lead to soaring electricity rates for consumers in the long run.
Ultimately, Trump's energy agenda has become a "lose-lose proposition," where environmental protection and consumer affordability are sacrificed at the expense of donor interests, according to Naomi Oreskes. As the climate crisis worsens, it remains to be seen whether the administration will reverse its stance on fossil fuels or prioritize the well-being of American consumers.
Critics argue that these moves make little sense from an environmental protection or cost perspective. Naomi Oreskes, a Harvard University science historian and professor of earth and planetary sciences, described the policies as "dangerous and short-sighted" that will "throw environmental protection under the bus and raise prices at the same time."
The administration's efforts to increase liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have also been linked to higher electricity costs. According to data from Public Citizen, US households spent an extra $12 billion on natural gas between January and September last year, which coincided with a 22% jump in LNG exports backed by the Trump administration.
Industry leaders and donors close to Trump, including billionaire fracking mogul Harold Hamm, have played a significant role in shaping his energy policies. The White House has indicated that its goal is to "stop the political closure of coal plants," but critics argue that this move will only exacerbate the climate crisis.
Energy experts point out that large-scale wind and solar projects are now the fastest and cheapest way to add generating capacity, yet Trump's administration is actively blocking these initiatives. Naomi Oreskes summed it up as an "ideologically driven" decision that prioritizes donor interests over environmental protection.
A recent study by Public Citizen found that rising LNG exports have contributed significantly to higher electricity prices for American consumers. The report stated that Trump's decision to expedite LNG exports with no protections for price increases for consumers is a key contributor to the energy affordability crisis.
Despite this, fossil fuel billionaires are continuing to pollute the air, land, and water while busting budgets every month through massive exports of fossil fuels, according to Massachusetts Democratic senator Edward Markey. The administration's policies have sparked widespread criticism, with many experts warning that they will lead to soaring electricity rates for consumers in the long run.
Ultimately, Trump's energy agenda has become a "lose-lose proposition," where environmental protection and consumer affordability are sacrificed at the expense of donor interests, according to Naomi Oreskes. As the climate crisis worsens, it remains to be seen whether the administration will reverse its stance on fossil fuels or prioritize the well-being of American consumers.
! Trump's obsession with fossil fuels is literally killing us 
. I mean, what's next? Bringing back smoking in public spaces? 
It's just soooo short-sighted and selfish 
. The cost of electricity is already through the roof, but no, let's keep throwing more money at ageing coal plants that are just going to get even more expensive to maintain 
. And LNG exports? Give me a break! That's just a fancy way of saying "we're too lazy to invest in renewable energy" 
. I swear, the only people benefiting from this policy are Trump's donors and fossil fuel buddies 
. Meanwhile, we're stuck with soaring electricity rates and a worsening climate crisis 
. It's just so frustrating 
.
. The fact that they're reviving old coal plants and increasing LNG exports is just crazy 
. But no, instead we're stuck with old fossil fuel plants and expensive LNG exports 
. We need to do better than this!
. The thought of our planet suffering because of these decisions is just devastating 
. I'm so scared for the future, especially for our kids and grandkids 
. We need to stand up against this and demand better 
. Have you heard of any other news that might be related or can you talk about what's on your mind? 
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, so what's the plan here? stop closing them down and just keep pumping out more pollution? 
come on, can't we learn from history? remember when fossil fuels were all "cool" and now look at us 
. it's like they're trying to throw environmental protection under the bus for their buddies in the oil industry 
. i'm not buying it (pun intended) 
️. someone needs to tell trump that the whole "lose-lose proposition" thing might be more of a "lose-all" situation 
It's all about lining their pockets while we suffer. We need some real leadership here, not this ideological nonsense