On Friday morning, WhiteHouse.gov included a section dedicated to President Obama’s efforts to fight climate change.
By 1 p.m., virtually all mentions of climate change had been removed, replaced by new President Donald Trump’s promise of an “America First Energy Plan.”
The swift changes on the official White House website underscore how quickly the Trump administration hopes to move to undo many of Mr. Obama’s initiatives on climate change. The president has said he intends to scrap his predecessor’s landmark achievements related to global warming, including an Environmental Protection Agency proposal that restricts coal use by limiting emissions from power plants.
On the new WhiteHouse.gov, Mr. Trump also vowed to roll back the so-called “Waters of the U.S.” rule, a set of regulations that gives the federal government wide authority over streams and other small waterways.
In place of those programs, WhiteHouse.gov now details Mr. Trumps U.S. energy vision.
“Energy is an essential part of American life and a staple of the world economy. The Trump Administration is committed to energy policies that lower costs for hardworking Americans and maximize the use of American resources, freeing us from dependence on foreign oil,” the energy section of the site now reads. “For too long, we’ve been held back by burdensome regulations on our energy industry. President Trump is committed to eliminating harmful and unnecessary policies such as the Climate Action Plan and the Waters of the U.S. rule. Lifting these restrictions will greatly help American workers, increasing wages by more than $30 billion over the next 7 years.”
The Trump administration also says it will revitalize the U.S. coal industry, which has been devastated over the past decade by a combination of federal regulation and the rise of cheaper, cleaner natural gas.
More specifically, the Trump administration appears poised to transform the EPA from an agency focused intently on climate change to one that focuses on protecting water and air quality at home.
“Lastly, our need for energy must go hand-in-hand with responsible stewardship of the environment. Protecting clean air and clean water, conserving our natural habitats, and preserving our natural reserves and resources will remain a high priority. President Trump will refocus the EPA on its essential mission of protecting our air and water,” the site reads. “A brighter future depends on energy policies that stimulate our economy, ensure our security, and protect our health. Under the Trump Administration’s energy policies, that future can become a reality.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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