Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is expected to be a major part of President-elect Donald Trump’s energy agenda. The process involves injecting a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals into underground rock formations to release oil and natural gas. Fracking has significantly increased energy production in the U.S., with 95% of new wells utilizing this technique. Trump has pledged to expand America’s energy dominance through increased drilling and has nominated Chris Wright, a pioneer in the shale revolution, to lead the Department of Energy.
Trump’s plan includes increasing drilling on federally leased land and streamlining permitting processes to enhance U.S. energy competitiveness. However, environmental and health concerns have been raised, linking fracking to contaminated drinking water, greenhouse gas emissions, and health risks such as cancer and birth defects. Despite these concerns, Trump’s energy plan focuses on economic growth.
Regulatory reforms, including bipartisan legislation like the Energy Permitting Reform Act, are expected to support Trump’s energy expansion efforts. This legislation aims to shorten permitting timelines for energy projects. Environmental groups have criticized Trump’s energy plan, expressing concerns about the environmental impacts of fracking. Overall, Trump’s energy strategy is focused on increasing energy production and reducing regulatory hurdles to promote economic growth and energy independence in the U.S.
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