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Why Trump’s “Drill Baby, Drill” Could Face Challenges
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Upon Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th president of the United States, many are concerned regarding reproductive freedom, rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and climate change – especially in light of Trump’s previous comments to “drill baby, drill” to stimulate the U.S. economy.
Having always been skeptical of climate change and an advocate for boosting the economy of the United States, regardless of how it may impact the environment, Trump has an infamous motto to “drill baby, drill” – but it may not be as easy for Trump to increase gas and oil production as it he may think it be.
In this article, we’ll explain the controversy regarding “drill baby, drill”, why it may not be so easy, and how Trump will impact the environment regardless of “drill baby, drill”.
What is “drill baby, drill”?
“Drill Baby, Drill” is a Republican, politico motto first coined in 2008 by Micheal Steele at the Republican National Convention as an effort to incite excitement regarding the idea to avoid dependency on foreign oil and reduce energy costs.
💡NPR has previously stated how it’s important to remember that “drill baby, drill” is more of a slogan than it is a fully-fleshed out business plan – especially as, unbeknownst to most, Republicans prior to Trump have used the phrase before.
“ Although many like the idea of “drill baby, drill” as it could make the United States more independent in terms of energy production, several critics are concerned how the vague outline of “drill baby, drill” could impact the environment. ”
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Key aspects of “drill baby, drill”
Here are some of the reasons why the Republican party has continued to boast the notion of “drill baby, drill”:
- Energy Independence – Republicans first and foremost value taking care of Americans, which means making resources and prices more accessible to the average U.S. citizen. As a result, Republicans place a strong emphasis on domestic gas and oil production and straying from any dependence on foreign energy sources.
- Boost the Economy – As economic factors remain as one of the primary principles for Republicans, pursuing the notion to “drill baby, drill” could help to create new jobs and help generate new revenue for the U.S. government.
- Decreased Dependence on Foreign Energy Sources – Mitigating the need to rely on other nations for energy sources could not only help to reduce utility costs for Americans as the energy will now be made, “in house” – but could help to keep the United States out of complicated foreign affairs that could possibly put their energy resources at risk. This has previously been shown with the European Union in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as energy bills in Europe have since skyrocketed.
- Lower Costs for the U.S. – Increasing national energy production would mean less money needed for importing energy into the country in addition to Americans having extra money in their pockets from reduced utility bills. This extra cash might incentivise them to stimulate the economy by purchasing unnecessary goods with their influx of income.
- Ultimate Disapproval of Environmental Regulations – ”Drill baby, drill” is the antithesis of implementing strong environmental regulations to curb carbon emissions and our current environmental impact.
👉 Overall, “drill baby, drill” is a phrase used by Republicans, most infamously by Trump, to encourage excitement around the idea of increasing domestic oil and gas production in hopes of curbing inflation and boosting the economy.
Why are so many Americans in support of “drill baby, drill”?
A whopping 44% of Americans are in favor of increasing domestic oil production in hopes of reducing energy prices and decreasing dependence on foreign energy sources.
💡 Since Trump’s re-election for president in 2024, it is more evident than before that a large majority of the country is more concerned about increasing prices, inflation, and keeping their businesses afloat as opposed to many of the issues discussed in Kamala Harris’s campaign – illustrating that many are interested in “drill baby, drill.”
“ “Let’s reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil, and promote oil-and-gas production at home. Let me make it very clear: Drill, baby, drill – and drill now.” – Micheal Steele, using “drill baby, drill” for the first time at the Republican National Convention in 2008. ”
Here are some of the reasons why Americans are in support of “drill baby, drill”:
- Reduce Grocery Prices – One of the main areas of concern for the majority of Americans as of the most recent presidential election, many in support of “drill baby, drill” believe increasing oil production can help to curb inflation and reduce living costs for the average American.
- Greater Independence for the U.S. – Patriotism is a key factor for many Americans, meaning that the United States takes pride in building and executing something on its own without additional help. Many supporters of “drill baby, drill” like the idea of the United States decreasing its dependency on foreign fossil fuels.
- Decrease National Debt – In light of the most recent debt ceiling, many Americans are concerned with the country’s current debt of over $36 trillion USD – and view “drill baby, drill” as a way to avoid continued negative cash flow for the country.
👉 Ultimately, those in support of “drill baby, drill” are concerned about both their own and the country’s current financial obstacles – and view increased oil fracking and finite energy resource projects as a way to escape fiscal peril.
Why are so many Americans against “drill baby, drill”?
Up to 53% of Americans are against oil fracking and increasing domestic oil production, as it could cause continued harm to the planet – and prevent the United States from adhering to its previous international treaties, such as the Paris Agreement, vowing to prevent global temperatures from exceeding 1.5°C.
💡 The main reasons why over half of Americans, many of them Democrats, are against “drill baby, drill” is because it could harm our air quality surrounding ecosystems, increase global temperatures and spur more frequent and intense natural disasters – putting the country and the world in a vicious cycle where the effects of climate change never end.
“ “What is the rest of the world going to think when we tell them to pull their fair share… if we’re just going to start drilling because it’s more convenient for us to have that oil in the short term?” – Owen Bland, a sophomore in International Relations from Connecticut. ”
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Here are some of the reasons why Americans are against “drill baby, drill”:
- Increased Pollution – There is no doubt that increasing our production of domestic oil would also mean polluting our air and local water resources, which could create new issues for the country by compromising the health of Americans.
- Impact on Coastal Cities – While areas such as Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are already suffering the devastating impacts of more severe hurricanes, coastal areas around the world could be impacted by “drill baby, drill” – such as Panama City Beach. This is because increasing drilling could harm the Eastern Gulf Coast by threatening local wildlife, tourism, and even Panama City’s training range for air force and military purposes.
- Skyrocketing Gas Prices – As a country where driving is more common than using public transportation, gas prices are important to Americans – but “drill baby, drill” could, contrary to what many supporters believe, ironically drive up the prices of gas across the country.
👉 ”Drill baby, drill” could have irreversible consequences on our climate in a time period where taking proactive measures are more imperative than ever before – making “drill baby, drill” a living nightmare for environmental activists.
Why would “drill baby, drill” not be as simple as it sounds?
“Drill baby, drill” isn’t as easy as Trump has made it sound to be, as he would need the approval of producers to increase their production of crude oil and petroleum – in addition to getting companies on board with, “drill baby, drill” despite the poor market forecast.
💡Two major components that may keep Trump from proceeding with, “drill baby, drill” include the decreased global demand for finite energy in addition Wall Street aren’t going projecting a global, low-value trade market for oil and gas.
Here’s a breakdown of why Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill” as easily as he might think he’ll be able to:
Invaluable Market Share
As countries around the world, including the United States during Biden’s presidency, make an honest effort to transition to a clean energy economy and reduce their GHG emissions – the production of finite energy sources is becoming less valuable to other nations around the world.
Therefore, despite Trump’s desire to slash the development of energy efficiency infrastructure in place of new oil drilling projects, companies will be aware of the decrease in fiscal value of drilling, and in turn – not be willing to drill as much as Trump may want them to.
Trump’s Tariffs
When there is an increase in tariffs, demand goes up – especially when no longer importing cheaper goods from other countries such as China, Canada, or Mexico. If these potential American-made goods and services, such as domestically produced energy, become the most affordable and relevant option available – there will be a spike in demand, and a subsequent increase in price.
👉 Ultimately, American producers won’t want this to happen as their product or service will become inaccessible to many American consumers – meaning that Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill”.
Supply Chain Constraints
Even if there are companies willing to be on board for Trump’s, “drill baby, drill” movement – their current supply chain dynamics may not allow for a sudden increase in oil production.
In the end, it’s important to remember that even if Trump is president – he can’t magically find all of the resources, various moving parts, and approvals necessary to “drill baby, drill” at the sudden speed he believes he can.
“ As companies around the world begin to shift their focus to energy efficiency and eco-friendly measures to coincide with new environmental regulations, it would be challenging for Trump to go against the grain of these new global recommendations and actions that have been rising to prominence since his last presidential term. ”
The table below will depict additional reasons why, “drill baby, drill” could be challenging for Trump:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Oil Price Volatility | Crude oil prices remain volatile, complicating investment decisions for new drilling projects as they depend on stable price forecasts for profitability. |
| Environmental Opposition | Environmental regulations and public protests against fossil fuel projects create legal and social barriers, delaying projects or increasing costs. |
| Global Market Dynamics | Global competition, particularly from OPEC+ and their control over oil supply, influences U.S. production by affecting price competitiveness. |
| High Production Costs | Shale oil extraction, a key U.S. method, often has higher breakeven costs compared to conventional drilling, especially when oil prices are low. |
| Investor Hesitation | With rising global focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, investors are increasingly cautious about financing fossil fuel projects. |
Will Trump still impact the environment if he can’t, “drill baby, drill” ?
Even if Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill” – he will still create a colossal, irreversible impact on the environment – as his presidency could result in over 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) by 2030.
“ Trump’s efforts to reduce any of the environmental protocols created by the Biden administration, in addition to withdrawing from the Paris Agreement – means that the U.S. will run rampant in terms of GHG emissions. ”
Here are some of the ways a second Trump-term will have an effect on climate change:
- Reversing the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will no longer encourage energy efficiency in households and businesses alike
- Trump’s decision to reverse the Affordable Care Act will impact millions of Americans and their current healthcare plans
- Misinformation regarding climate change may spread under Trump’s presidency and prevent Americans from re-thinking how their day to day actions will impact the environment
Overall, whether Trump is able to “drill baby, drill” or not – he will be able to reverse several of Biden’s policies previously implemented to prevent climate change from becoming a national emergency.
As Trump will indeed be successful in passing some new oil and drilling projects, which will contribute to global warming – it’s more important than ever before for businesses and households in the U.S. and beyond to take control of their actions to fight against climate change.
What About Greenly?
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