Commentary

Harris vs. Trump: Climate and Energy Policy

Key Takeaways

  • Kamala Harris’ and Donald Trump’s climate and energy agendas reflect widely divergent priorities and policy approaches. Harris seeks to achieve U.S. energy independence and address climate change concerns by investing in renewables, advocating for a “whole-of-government” and multilateral approach. Driven by a desire to boost U.S. industry, Trump seeks traditional energy resources and is likely to de-prioritize coordination with allies, partners, and international organizations on climate change, which he believes weakens the United States’ strategic position vis-à-vis China.
  • Nevertheless, the candidates show some minor areas of overlap. Both Trump and Harris have pledged support for expanding the United States’ nuclear energy capacity. Although Harris is not as openly supportive of fossil fuels as Trump, her tenure as Vice President saw a record increase in U.S. oil and LNG exports – despite the Biden administration’s focus on renewables via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Also, strategic competition with China has shaped both candidates’ climate and energy policies and will remain a key policy driver under either administration.
  • Trump and Harris presidencies give rise to different risks for the business community. A re-elected Trump could repeal the IRA or dismantle many of its core provisions on grants, subsidies, and other incentives, creating significant disruption for U.S. and foreign entities in ally and partner countries that have spent the past two years trying to benefit from the law. Meanwhile, a Harris administration might deepen tariffs and other protections (which Trump also supports) on electric vehicles, green technology, and strategic sectors.

Related Posts

TAG Managing Director & Co-Chair George Chen Discusses CK Hutchison Hong Kong-Panama Deal on NPR “All Things Considered”
George Chen, TAG Managing Director and Digital Practice Co-Chair, argues that CK Hutchison’s decision to sell the ports business in ...
TAG Partner and Defense Chair Chris Johnstone Spoke with Newsweek About The Five Eyes Intelligence Network
Christopher Johnstone, TAG Partner and Defense Chair who served as Director for East Asia in the National Security Council under ...
TAG Partner and India Practice Chair Ashok Malik Discusses U.S. President Trump’s Approach to Diplomacy in The Economic Times
“Instead of resorting to ideological semantics, it is prudent to analyse and identify possible consequences of Trump’s words. Like him ...
TAG Australia Chair Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO Shared His Experience Negotiating with the First Trump Administration as Australian Ambassador to the United States with The Saturday Paper
The Asia Group’s Chair of the Australia Practice, the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, explained in an interview with The Saturday ...
Scroll to Top

You Are Applying For:

Harris vs. Trump: Climate and Energy Policy

Apply Now

Submit the details below, and our HR team member will get in touch with you shortly.

The Asia Group is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. The Asia Group continually seeks to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the strategic advisory profession.

"*" indicates required fields

1Personal Details
2Questionnaire & Application Materials
3Voluntary Self Identification

Personal Details

Name*
Address*