Donald Trump’s election has brought renewed optimism to the oil and gas industry. Energy Transfer co-CEO Mackie McCrea recently shared his thoughts, describing Trump’s presidency as “a breath of fresh air”—a sentiment that many in the industry share after years of dealing with strict regulations. On the company’s quarterly earnings call, McCrea expressed hope for a future where energy projects can move forward with fewer obstacles.
“We’re not arguing that we don’t need regulation,” McCrea said. “But we’re asking for reasonable, not onerous regulation that can be done in a matter of a few years, without hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars to get projects in line.” This statement captures what a lot of energy executives have been feeling: the rules have become too burdensome, making it tough for companies to operate efficiently. With Trump in office, many are expecting a more balanced approach—one that keeps safety and environmental concerns in check but also helps boost energy development and economic growth.
Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfer’s executive chairman and a key supporter of Trump’s campaign, didn’t speak on the call. However, his support for Trump speaks volumes. Many in the energy sector see Trump’s administration as a chance to finally unleash the potential that’s been held back by overregulation. For Energy Transfer, which focuses on transporting natural gas and crude oil, this could mean expanding infrastructure to meet growing demand.
McCrea also pointed to a surge in requests for new connections to power plants and data centers—requests that could translate into as much as 16 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas demand. “Do we expect to get all 16 billion? No,” McCrea acknowledged, “but we do expect to get our fair share.” This potential growth is being driven in part by the increasing need for energy from AI data centers and power plants. Trump’s emphasis on domestic energy production aligns well with this trend, and a supportive government could make a big difference in helping companies like Energy Transfer meet these demands.
For the oil and gas industry, Trump’s presidency could mean rolling back some of the restrictions that have made it harder and more expensive to get new projects off the ground. Simplifying the approval process could mean that projects that once took years to start might finally move forward. More pipelines, expanded natural gas facilities, and higher energy output are all on the horizon—bringing along economic growth and job creation.
The hope goes beyond just cutting red tape. Trump’s energy policy is expected to focus on energy independence and maximizing domestic production. That might mean opening up more federal land for exploration, reducing bureaucracy, and introducing tax policies that are friendlier to energy producers. Energy Transfer, which recently reported a big jump in Q3 earnings and record crude transportation volumes, could use this kind of support to keep growing and meet rising demand.
Trump’s presidency also opens up possibilities for boosting energy exports. McCrea mentioned the increase in crude transportation volumes and crude oil exports—indicating that the world wants U.S. energy, and Trump’s policies could help fulfill that demand. By encouraging more production and making it easier to export, the U.S. could strengthen its position as a global energy leader.
In short, Trump’s presidency represents a fresh start for the U.S. oil and gas industry. Leaders like McCrea see this as a chance to bring common sense back to regulations, speed up project approvals, and help American energy companies thrive. With fewer barriers and more government support, the industry could be headed for a period of strong growth—one that boosts not just energy companies but also the economy as a whole, with more jobs, increased exports, and greater energy security.
