Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States last week and promptly updated the White House website with a new set of policy pages, including his “America First Energy Plan.”
The page makes no mention of renewable energy or climate action, marking a stark shift from President Obama. Trump’s plan also commits to embracing the oil and shale gas revolution, advancing independence from foreign oil and reviving America’s coal industry.
In addition to the website change, news broke last week of a Trump administration budget blueprint that includes deep cuts to the Department of Energy's clean energy programs. These developments seem to contrast with Trump's position on promoting U.S. innovation and job growth. They also contradict statements from DOE Secretary nominee Rick Perry.
So what's next for clean energy and climate action in America?
We sat down to discuss with Brandon Hurlbut, partner and co-founder of Boundary Stone Partners, an advisory firm on energy technology, public policy and finance, in Greentech Media's first interview via Facebook Live. Hurlbut offers an insider perspective on Washington, D.C. and Democrat policies, having served as chief of staff for Secretary Steven Chu at the U.S. Department of Energy.
We also spoke with Shane Skelton, partner and co-founder of S2C Pacific, a policy consulting firm focused on energy and technology policy. Skelton previously served as energy policy adviser to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on the Budget, under then-Chairman Paul Ryan, who now serves as House Republican leader.
Watch our interview with Brandon Hurlbut here:
Watch our interview with Shane Skelton here: