The United States is a hub of energy and strategic resources, from vast oil and gas reserves to critical minerals needed for modern technology. Through July 2025, new policies are reshaping the way America harnesses its untapped potential, with energy dominance and national security in mind. Let's look at the latest developments in America's energy strategy, looking at forgotten policies, hidden assets, and efforts at sustainable resource management.
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| Unlocking America's hidden energy: Powering the future with untapped resources. |
American Energy Independence: A Renewed Focus
The United States is the world's leading producer of oil and natural gas, thanks to innovations such as hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. In 2024, net energy imports fell to a 40-year low of 17%, and shale gas and tight oil are projected to account for the majority of production through 2050. States like Texas (24.6% of US natural gas) and Pennsylvania (21.8%) are leading the way, while LNG exports—especially to Europe, which relies on the US for 45% of its supplies—are growing rapidly. Recent executive actions by the Trump administration, including the declaration of a “national energy emergency,” have prioritize maximizing domestic production to reduce dependence on foreign energy.
Untapped US Resources: What Lies Beneath
The US has vast, under-explored reserves, especially on federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf. The National Energy Dominance Council, led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright, is streamlining permitting to uncover these hidden US resources. In addition to oil and gas, critical minerals like lithium, rare earths, and uranium are also garnering attention. The U.S. Geological Survey is ramping up geological mapping to identify new reserves, while initiatives like the U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Act (HR 3617) aim to reduce dependence on China and Russia by promoting domestic mining and recycling.
Forgotten US Policy: Reviving Strategic Resource Management
Past energy policies like the Biden-era “social cost of carbon” calculations have been criticized for stifling domestic production. Now, forgotten energy policies are being reconsidered to prioritize economic growth. The National Energy Dominance Council Act of 2025 (HR 2926) expedites approvals for oil, gas, coal, and nuclear projects, aiming to reduce bureaucratic delays. A proposed “one-stop-shop” permitting process ensures decisions within two years for major projects, while efforts to prevent state-level overreach—like climate lawsuits—are gaining momentum to protect energy development.
Energy Exploration Policies: Opening New Frontiers
The US is doubling down on strategic resource exploration, particularly in federal areas. Under new policies, all non-protected federal lands and waters are being made available for lease, removing decades of restrictions. Emerging technologies such as supercritical geothermal and geologic hydrogen are being tested to reduce dependence on foreign clean energy supply chains. The Department of Energy (DOE) is also investing in next-generation nuclear reactors and fusion energy to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers.
Energy Policy Reform: Balancing Growth and Sustainability
Policy reform on US resources is key to unleashing US potential. The current administration is rolling back regulations seen as burdensome, such as mandatory use of electric vehicles, to promote consumer choice and energy affordability. However, sustainable resource policy remains a priority in the US, with the Department of Energy focusing on resilient supply chains for critical minerals and clean energy. To ensure equitable benefits, the involvement of stakeholders, especially with indigenous communities, is being integrated into mining initiatives.
Hidden US Strategic Assets: Powering the Future
In addition to fossil fuels, the US is also tapping hidden strategic assets such as geothermal and hydrogen. These resources can diversify the US energy sector and reduce dependence on volatile global markets. To strengthen energy security, especially to stabilize markets after 2019, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is being replenished to its maximum capacity. Meanwhile, critical minerals are being prioritized to support artificial intelligence, defense, and renewable technologies, and new financing is being arranged for domestic refining and recycling.
Challenges in Unlocking American Resources
Efforts to dominate the energy sector are strong, but challenges remain. Environmental concerns remain, with critics warning of ecological risks from deregulation. Proponents argue that modern extraction techniques minimize impacts, and estimate that increased production would raise global temperatures by a negligible 0.03°C. Global market relationships, such as dependence on Gulf oil for trade, mean that securing international choke points is essential for true energy independence. Job creation in the energy and manufacturing sectors is a priority, but balancing this with clean energy transitions is a matter of debate.
The Future of US Energy Strategy
The proposed National Energy Strategy (NES), which is reviewed every 4-5 years, aims to create a coherent, long-term plan that is responsive to political changes. By integrating fossil fuels, renewable energy, and emerging technologies, the US seeks to become a global leader in energy and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. US policy reform and a focus on strategic resource exploration ensure that the country can reduce foreign dependencies while meeting growing demands.
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