Courts will slow Trump's push for energy deregulation

Significance

The Trump administration has targeted rules and regulations implemented by former President Barack Obama's government on the environment and climate change as he looks to boost the US fossil fuel industry. The White House has sought to expand offshore oil drilling, revoke the Clean Power Plan, cut environmental rules for coal producers and reduce fuel efficiency standards.

Impacts

• Pro-extraction EPA aides will push Administrator Scott Pruitt’s deregulatory agenda despite his recusal from certain cases.
• Companies developing pipeline and liquefied natural gas export projects are likely to see faster approvals under the Trump administration.
• Reopening offshore drilling areas could benefit offshore seismic imaging companies, which is the first step to exploring frontier regions.
• Republican ideological opposition to federal regulation will foil any attempt to implement a market-friendly carbon pricing scheme.