Energy production and distribution have long been a cornerstone of economic growth and national security in the United States. Former Vice President Mike Pence, during his presidential campaign, outlined an ambitious plan to position America as the world’s leading energy producer.
His vision aimed to counter restrictive energy policies, boost domestic energy independence, and restore U.S. leadership in global energy markets. This article revisits his key energy policy proposals and their intended impact.
Key Energy Policies from Mike Pence’s Campaign
1. Restoring American Energy Supremacy
Pence set a clear goal: to make the U.S. the world’s top energy producer by 2040 (source). His plan emphasized lifting government-imposed restrictions, encouraging private sector energy production, and removing subsidies that distort energy markets. His administration aimed to allow all forms of energy production, including oil, gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables, to compete freely.
2. Ending Biden’s Energy Policies & Rolling Back Regulations
A major component of Pence’s proposal was to reverse President Biden’s energy policies, which he described as an intentional war on fossil fuels. His administration would:
- Rescind executive orders halting domestic drilling and energy leases on public lands (Archive source).
- Eliminate restrictive regulations, such as the “Social Cost of Carbon” rule.
- Reauthorize and accelerate stalled pipeline projects, such as the Keystone XL Pipeline.
- Increase domestic oil and gas production by reducing permitting delays.
3. Cutting Permitting Approval Time in Half
Pence’s plan sought to reduce the timeline for energy project approvals from over five years to two years or less (source). His administration planned to fast-track approvals by reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and removing bureaucratic hurdles that slow energy infrastructure development.
4. Expanding Drilling & Oil Production
To regain U.S. energy leadership, Pence’s policy proposal included:
- Opening federal lands and waters for oil and gas drilling
- Reducing drilling permit fees and royalty increases (source).
- Encouraging private investment in energy extraction technologies
5. Unleashing America’s Natural Gas Potential
Pence strongly supported the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and exports to strengthen U.S. energy security. His plan aimed to:
- Remove methane regulations that increase production costs (source).
- Fast-track LNG export terminal approvals to compete with foreign energy suppliers.
- Build new pipeline infrastructure to enhance domestic and international distribution.
6. Rejecting Government Preferences & Subsidies
Pence’s plan opposed taxpayer-funded subsidies for specific energy sources, arguing that the government should not pick winners and losers in the energy market. His administration would have:
- Ended green energy subsidies that artificially prop up renewables.
- Stopped ESG investment mandates that restrict fossil fuel investment (source).
- Encouraged market-driven energy production, rather than government intervention.
7. Replenishing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)
Following Biden’s drawdown of the SPR, Pence planned to restore the emergency oil reserve by purchasing 300 million barrels of crude oil while maintaining U.S. energy exports to global markets (source).
8. Increasing Refining Capacity
Pence highlighted America’s declining refining capacity as a key factor in rising fuel prices. His administration would have:
- Rolled back refinery regulations to increase U.S. processing capabilities (source).
- Expanded domestic refining infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign crude oil.
9. Securing Rare Earth Mineral Supply Chains
With China controlling over 85% of global rare earth mineral processing, Pence’s plan called for:
- Opening U.S. mineral mining operations to reduce reliance on Chinese imports (source).
- Expediting mining approvals on federal lands.
- Developing domestic refining and processing facilities for critical minerals.
10. Ensuring Long-Term Energy Certainty
Pence proposed working with Congress to pass laws protecting domestic energy development from future presidential reversals. His plan included:
- Mandatory government leasing schedules for oil and gas production.
- Guaranteed permit approval deadlines to prevent bureaucratic slowdowns.
- Expanded investment in energy technology and extraction methods.
Mike Pence’s energy policy proposals focused on eliminating federal restrictions, increasing U.S. energy independence, and ensuring America remained a dominant force in global energy markets. His vision emphasized a free-market approach to energy development, favoring deregulation and private sector innovation over government control.
Disclaimer:- This article provides an independent analysis of Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign proposals. It serves as an informational and historical reference only. The content does not reflect current U.S. government policies, nor does it imply any endorsement or affiliation in 2025 or beyond. Any discussion of past administrations is solely within the context of the 2024 election cycle. This website operates as an independent news platform and is not affiliated with Mike Pence, any political party, or any government entity.