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The world runs on energy. It fuels economies, powers homes, and undergirds national security. From the moment God spoke the world into existence—“Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3)—energy has been woven into the very fabric of creation. Yet, in modern governance, energy policy is often shaped not by divine providence but by political maneuvering, regulatory overreach, and global power struggles.
On February 14, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). This move aims to restore energy independence, lower costs, and counteract what his administration calls a “war on American energy” initiated under the Biden administration.
But beyond the headlines, what does this policy mean from a biblical worldview and a constitutional perspective? Let’s break it down.
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Energy: A God-Given Provision
Long before governments debated fossil fuels and renewable energy, God created a world rich in resources. The Bible repeatedly affirms that the earth’s resources were designed for human flourishing, with mankind entrusted as stewards.
- Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.”
- Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”
This divine provision extends to the vast oil reserves, natural gas fields, and coal deposits beneath our feet. America’s energy wealth is not an accident—it’s part of God’s sovereign blessing. Yet, for years, energy policies have artificially restricted access to these resources, leading to higher prices, reliance on foreign adversaries, and economic stagnation.
Trump’s Executive Action: Unlocking America’s Resources
- Reverses Biden-era restrictions on 625 million acres of federal land and offshore drilling.
- Restores oil and gas leasing in Alaska (ANWR), Texas, and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Expedites the approval of LNG export projects, providing natural gas to U.S. allies.
- Rolls back overregulation on domestic energy production and industrial efficiency standards.
Biblical Implication: Energy as Stewardship, Not Exploitation
- Proverbs 12:11 – “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread.”
- Matthew 25:21 (Parable of the Talents) – Faithful stewardship leads to blessing.
God commands stewardship, not wastefulness. America has been given abundant resources, yet previous policies treated them as liabilities instead of blessings. The goal is responsible development—harnessing energy for prosperity while respecting environmental responsibility.
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Constitutional Analysis: Federal Authority vs. State Rights (link)
The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government broad power over energy through federal land policies, commerce regulations, and national security interests. However, executive orders often invite legal battles over state jurisdiction and environmental policies.
Legal Justifications for Trump’s Actions
- The Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) – Grants federal control over public lands and offshore resources, making the order legally sound.
- The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) – Justifies interstate energy infrastructure like LNG exports and pipelines.
- Executive Authority in National Emergencies (Article II) – Trump argues that energy shortages and dependence on foreign oil constitute a national emergency, giving him grounds to override regulatory restrictions.
Challenges and Potential Legal Pushback
- State vs. Federal Disputes – New York and other states previously blocked pipeline projects, arguing for local control over energy infrastructure. Expect lawsuits.
- Environmental Litigation – Green energy advocates will challenge the rollback of Biden-era restrictions, claiming it violates federal environmental statutes.
From an originalist constitutional perspective, excessive regulation by unelected bureaucrats (EPA, DOE) infringes on the separation of powers, since major policy decisions should come from Congress, not executive orders.
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Energy and National Security: A Biblical Perspective on Self-Sufficiency
America’s reliance on foreign adversaries for energy is more than just bad policy—it’s a dangerous compromise.
- Proverbs 22:7 warns, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.”
- Deuteronomy 28:12-13 speaks of a nation blessed by God lending to others, not borrowing from them.
Trump’s Energy Security Agenda
- Restores energy independence, reducing reliance on hostile foreign producers.
- Supports U.S. allies (like Japan and India) through expanded natural gas exports.
- Boosts domestic job creation, especially in energy-rich states like Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.
By reclaiming control over energy production, the U.S. strengthens national security, lowers consumer prices, and prevents adversaries from leveraging energy as a geopolitical weapon.
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Economic and Domestic Impact: The Golden Age of American Energy?
Immediate Economic Benefits
- Lower Gas Prices – Increased oil production drives down fuel costs.
- Reduced Inflation – Energy is a cost multiplier across industries (transportation, food, manufacturing).
- Job Growth – The energy sector creates millions of high-paying jobs, revitalizing U.S. industry.
Long-Term Strategy: The Future of Energy
- Expanding nuclear and coal – Clean coal and nuclear power ensure stable electricity grids.
- AI and Energy Demands – Artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing require doubling electricity output—which fossil fuels can help sustain.
- Pipeline Expansion – Trump’s approval of the New York-New England energy pipeline will slash electricity costs by 50-60% in the region.
America’s return to energy dominance could mark a new golden era of economic prosperity—but only if these policies remain in place.
Final Reflections: A Biblical Call for Leadership
America stands at a crossroads. Energy policy is more than just politics—it’s about stewardship, sovereignty, and economic strength.
- God has blessed this nation with abundant resources. Will we use them wisely?
- Will America return to self-sufficiency, or remain dependent on adversaries?
- Will government overreach continue to stifle prosperity, or will freedom prevail?
Proverbs 29:2 reminds us:
“When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
The battle over energy is ultimately a battle over who will control the future—an overreaching bureaucracy, or a free and self-reliant America.
