Trump’s 2025 CPAC: A Rally for Fossil Fuels and Climate Denial
The 2025 CPAC emphasized fossil fuel deregulation and climate change denial through speeches by prominent right-wing figures like Trump. Discussions focused on dismantling environmental policies, promoting fracking, and conservative hostility towards climate science, as the conference increasingly favored ideology over scientific discourse. The event showcased ambitious energy initiatives, particularly in Alaska, indicating a firm alignment with fossil fuel interests.
In February 2025, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) convened near Washington, D.C., uniting conservatives under President Trump’s leadership, emphasizing fossil fuel deregulation and climate change denial. Notable speakers included Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, with Trump later reiterating his opposition to the Paris Agreement and dismissing the Green New Deal as a hoax that cost America trillions.
During his CPAC speech, Trump falsely claimed to have canceled electric vehicle mandates, despite no such mandates existing, and made dubious claims about hydrogen vehicles. His comments reflected the conference’s overall anti-climate stance, diverging from past years’ more data-driven discussions. Notably, the event featured no scientific breakout sessions this year.
Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss criticized the reinstatement of the fracking ban in Britain, citing net-zero policies for high energy prices and industrial decline. Truss emphasized the need to dismantle the deep state and called for a comprehensive restoration bill to repeal numerous existing laws. Her sentiments echoed Trump’s disdain for bureaucratic roadblocks to energy independence.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright promoted Trump’s aggressive energy policies, vowing to eliminate regulations to enhance production and mentioning the energy demands of artificial intelligence technology. The conference featured recurring discussions on competition with China, particularly regarding energy resources for AI operations.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy aimed to leverage Trump’s support for energy initiatives in Alaska and hinted at upcoming political ambitions, possibly running for a Senate seat. The CPAC showcased a $44 billion gas pipeline project intended to serve Asian markets rather than the lower 48 states.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum was tasked with exploiting public lands for energy production. He proposed selling resources to allies as a means to end trade deficits. Burgum outlined plans through the National Energy Dominance Council to advise Trump on regulatory reforms to enhance energy sector performance.
A notable presence in the exhibit hall was the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), the last climate-focused group at CPAC. Their representatives pushed a narrative of climate science skepticism, claiming it is unsettled, and emphasized the need for conservative viewpoints on college campuses.
The 2025 CPAC highlighted a steadfast commitment to fossil fuels and climate policy denial, with Trump and other conservative leaders championing aggressive deregulation measures. The conference departed from previous scientific discussions, favoring ideological narratives that reject mainstream climate science. Key themes included energy independence through fracking and public land exploitation, reinforcing the GOP’s alignment with the fossil fuel industry.
Original Source: www.desmog.com
