Tim Stewart, president of the Oil and Gas Association, discussed on Saturday how President Donald Trump’s early executive actions have shifted the United States from restrictive energy policy to a renewed push for global dominance in liquefied natural gas exports. Stewart outlined how Trump’s energy directives reset the national approach to oil, gas, and LNG. He contrasted with former president Biden’s policies, which he described as damaging to production and investment. The difference between administrations forms the basis for understanding how Trump’s new LNG-focused order helps the U.S. regain leadership abroad. Stewart argued that Biden oversaw over 250 individual actions designed to end production or use of fossil energy. These restrictions created constant uncertainty for producers and weakened the country’s position in global markets. Trump’s first weeks in office reversed that trajectory. Stewart noted that of 212 executive orders, 22 directly impacted energy, including LNG. These changes completely reset global energy policy and markets. Stewart argued that U.S. LNG sector captured this shift. From 20 years ago talking about need to invest billions to import LNG, now we are going to capture one quarter of global LNG export market this year. Turnaround is a “phenomenal game changer” reflecting when producers no longer worry federal policy will shrink their industry. Stewart said the administration’s goal is restoring U.S. position during Trump’s first term, when officials described energy dominance. He emphasized new actions are not a radical break but return to stability. Restoration is the keyword there. Trump is literally restoring balance, pointing to Biden’s early restrictions as source of decline in production and permitting. For example, Stewart cited lease sale in New Mexico last week despite government shutdown, generating $312 million for 2900 acres. Comparison to Biden’s largest New Mexico lease sale produced $600k during his administration. New numbers show industry trusts federal management of energy assets. Confidence is essential because federal land holds significant reserves. Federal asset is 25% of all oil and gas in U.S. When companies believe Washington supports development, we’re willing to put money back into federal asset. Concluded by saying renewed trust reflects Trump’s broader point that stable rules draw investment and encourage production, strengthening U.S. energy output and its standing abroad.
Trump’s Energy Policies Reversing Previous Restrictions, Says Oil and Gas Association Leader
