Fracking, shorthand for hydraulic fracturing, is set to become a cornerstone of President-elect Donald Trump’s energy agenda.
While it is worth noting that the U.S. is producing more oil and gas than ever before, Trump has repeatedly championed fracking production, promising a boom that will lower energy costs and bolster America’s energy independence.
But what exactly does that mean?
What is fracking?
Fracking involves injecting a high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals into underground rock formations to release oil and natural gas. This technique has revolutionized energy production in the United States, contributing to significant gains in crude oil and natural gas output. According to the Department of Energy, fracking now accounts for 95% of new wells in the U.S., generating two-thirds of the total gas market and nearly half of the nation’s crude oil production.
The process is central to Trump’s pledge to expand America’s energy dominance. “We will end Kamala’s war on American energy, and we will drill, baby, drill,” Trump said during a press conference in August.
A push for increased drilling
A key player in Trump’s second-term energy strategy is Chris Wright, founder of Liberty Energy and a pioneer of the American shale revolution, whom Trump has nominated to lead the Department of Energy. Known as a climate change skeptic, Wright’s nomination signals a strong push for increased drilling on federal lands.
Currently, only 24% of fracking occurs on federally leased land. Wright and Trump have indicated plans to increase this share, streamline permitting processes and reduce regulatory hurdles.
Wright will join Trump’s new Council of National Energy, which Interior Secretary nominee Doug Burgum will lead, according to the president-elect.
“This team will drive U.S. energy dominance, which will drive down inflation, win the AI arms race with China (and others), and expand American diplomatic power to end wars all across the world,” Trump said in a statement.
Regulatory reforms and bipartisan legislation
Central to Trump’s domestic energy expansion will be regulatory reforms, including the proposed bipartisan Energy Permitting Reform Act. Backed by outgoing John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W. Va.), the legislation aims to cut permitting times for energy projects from several years to months.
The bill is expected to enhance U.S. energy competitiveness by streamlining the permitting process, potentially shortening timelines. With the Senate under Republican control, it will likely pass early in Trump’s second term.
Environmental and health concerns
While Trump’s energy plan emphasizes economic growth, environmental groups have raised significant concerns. Hydraulic fracturing has been linked to contaminated drinking water, greenhouse gas emissions and health risks, including cancer, asthma and birth defects. A 2022 study found pollutants from fracking sites increase the risk of premature death for nearby residents.
“It is not surprising but still appalling that Trump’s pick for Secretary of Energy is a climate-denying Big Oil executive,” Tiernan Sittenfeld, the League of Conservation Voters’ senior vice president of government affairs, said in a statement. “With the nomination of Chris Wright, Trump is following through on the $1 billion offer he made to Big Oil at a dinner this spring.”