The carbon removal industry is retooling its message to align with President Trump's energy dominance priorities, seeking to preserve billions in federal investment. Two major projects greenlit under the Biden administration received the go-ahead from Trump's Energy Department earlier this month, signaling a potential path forward.
Industry leaders argue that carbon removal can bolster US energy independence rather than just combat global warming. Giana Amador, executive director of the Carbon Removal Alliance, described it as “the next prosperous and competitive American industry” during San Francisco Climate Week.
The sector, which took off under Biden-era climate laws, has been stalled for over a year awaiting review under the Trump administration. Amador highlighted applications like sustainable aviation fuel and enhanced oil recovery as ways to support energy dominance goals.
Critics worry that tying carbon removal to fossil fuel extraction undermines its climate benefits. The industry's fate now hinges on how effectively it can demonstrate economic value within the administration's framework.
Amador said the industry “has a really compelling case” to align with Trump’s energy priorities, though regulatory uncertainty persists.