Energy and climate have always been important issues, but they are expected to become even more divisive in the year 2025. With President-elect Trump at the helm and GOP majorities in both the House and Senate, there is a strong push for expanding U.S. energy development. However, congressional Democrats are concerned about the impact on global warming and are seeking to stymie these efforts. As we move towards the new year, here are five figures who are likely to make headlines on energy and environmental issues.
1. President-elect Donald Trump
With his strong stance on energy development, President-elect Trump is expected to be a major player in the energy and climate debate. He has promised to increase domestic production of oil, coal, and natural gas, and has expressed skepticism towards renewable energy sources. This has raised concerns among environmentalists who fear that his policies will contribute to the worsening of climate change. However, Trump has also promised to create jobs and boost the economy through his energy policies, which has garnered support from the energy industry and some Republicans.
2. Senator Lisa Murkowski
As the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Murkowski will play a crucial role in shaping energy policy in the coming years. She has been a strong advocate for expanding domestic energy production and has criticized the Obama administration’s regulations on coal and oil. With the support of President-elect Trump, Murkowski is expected to push for legislation that will open up more federal lands for energy development.
3. Senator Bernie Sanders
Senator Sanders has been a vocal advocate for addressing climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources. He has been a strong critic of President-elect Trump’s energy policies and has vowed to fight against any attempts to roll back environmental regulations. With his large following and strong support from the Democratic party, Sanders is expected to be a leading voice in the fight against climate change.
4. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
As the former CEO of ExxonMobil, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has a deep understanding of the energy industry. However, his ties to the oil and gas giant have raised concerns among environmentalists and Democrats. Tillerson has expressed support for addressing climate change, but his track record at ExxonMobil has been criticized for downplaying the risks of climate change and funding climate denial groups. As the top diplomat for the United States, Tillerson’s stance on climate change will have a significant impact on the country’s stance on the issue.
5. Governor Jerry Brown
Governor Brown of California has been a strong advocate for renewable energy and has set ambitious goals for reducing the state’s carbon emissions. He has also been a vocal opponent of President-elect Trump’s energy policies and has vowed to continue California’s efforts to combat climate change, regardless of federal policies. With California being the largest state in terms of population and economy, Governor Brown’s actions will have a significant impact on the country’s overall efforts to address climate change.
In conclusion, the year 2025 is expected to be a tumultuous one for energy and climate issues. With a divided government and strong personalities on both sides, finding a balance between energy development and environmental protection will be a challenging task. However, it is important for all parties to come together and work towards a sustainable future for our planet. Let us hope that these five figures, along with many others, will lead the way towards a greener and cleaner future for generations to come.
