WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The new US President Donald Trump wants to ensure that the US demands even more oil and gas. "We will be a rich nation again, and it is the liquid gold under our feet that will help us do it," the Republican said in his inaugural address after being sworn in at the US Capitol.

Trump has not yet issued any concrete directives. However, the White House has announced that the Republican will streamline approval procedures and repeal regulations that unduly complicate energy production and use. The energy policy measures would also end the leasing of land for use as "massive wind farms" that destroy the landscape and are of no benefit to consumers.

Energy costs to fall

Trump also announced his intention to declare a national energy emergency. The measure is intended to help rapidly expand production and thereby reduce high energy costs for consumers and industry, said a government official. Domestic energy production is also crucial for the technology race with China. There were no further details at this time.

Alaska in view

The Trump administration has set its sights on Alaska in particular when it comes to expanding oil and gas production, but also when it comes to mining critical raw materials. Trump will sign a decree to this effect, the administration official said. "Alaska has an incredible wealth of natural resources," he added. However, Biden's predecessor administration had limited the state's ability to create prosperity for Americans.

World's largest producer of oil

The U.S. was still the world's largest producer and consumer of oil under Biden, who had made climate protection one of his top priorities. Biden even boasted of record numbers in demand – and rejected the notion that his administration was slowing domestic production through bans. He pointed to thousands of permits that were not being used by the industry.

Protected areas

Shortly before the end of his term in office, Biden had placed areas of the outer continental shelf off the east and west coasts of the United States, the eastern Gulf of Mexico and other parts of the northern Bering Sea in Alaska under protection against future oil and gas exploration. He did so under a law that gives the president broad authority to exclude certain waters from future leasing for the development of gas and oil sources or for drilling.

However, the law does not automatically give the president the authority to reverse exclusions like this. If Trump were to attempt to do so, he would probably have to go through Congress, for example by amending the underlying law to give the president the authority to release protected areas. Ultimately, the question could also end up in court.

"Drill, baby, drill"

During his election campaign, Trump had spoken out in favor of expanding oil and gas exploration, under the motto "Drill, baby, drill". He repeated this exclamation during his inauguration. In the USA, drilling for oil should continue without letup. US energy should be exported to the whole world. Biden accused the new US government of "climate extremism". Trump also wants to lead the USA out of the Paris climate protection agreement./mj/DP/zb