The 2025 CPAC showcased prominent conservative figures attacking climate policies, notably led by Donald Trump, who condemned the Paris Agreement and the Green New Deal. Various leaders called for deregulation of fossil fuels, while the significance of energy projects for future political ambitions was distinctly emphasized. CFACT emerged as the only climate-focused organization, advocating alternative perspectives in academia.
The 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) exemplified the right-wing rhetoric on climate policies, prominently featuring figures like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and various other conservative leaders. As Trump addressed the audience, he proudly reiterated his decisions to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and disparaged the Green New Deal, labeling it as one of the nation’s greatest hoaxes. He asserted that the environment and climate policies under current administration are misguided, including the notion of an electric vehicle mandate, which he misrepresented.
Liz Truss, former Prime Minister of the UK, echoed Trump’s sentiments, expressing frustration over her inability to lift a fracking ban during her brief tenure. She posited that net-zero policies have harmed the energy sector, leading to high prices and industrial decline, advocating for a repeal of several established laws to dismantle what she perceived as governmental overreach. Meanwhile, Trump’s Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, called for the removal of regulations hindering fossil fuel production, framing this within the broader context of economic competition with China, especially regarding energy needs for advancing artificial intelligence technologies.
The conference also showcased potential political aspirations, including those of Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who appears to be positioning himself for a future Senate run. His campaign highlighted a liquified natural gas pipeline project intended for Asian markets, stressing Alaska’s pivotal role in addressing energy challenges. Additionally, Doug Burgum, the new Secretary of the Interior, emphasized exploiting public lands to foster economic relations and reduce trade deficits, which he claims could eventually lead to significant accolades, such as a Nobel Prize.
A notable presence at CPAC was the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), the sole climate-focused group at the event. CFACT’s coordinator argued against the consensus on climate change, contending that alternative viewpoints are crucial on college campuses. This sentiment reflects a broader strategy to engage and influence young individuals who may feel marginalized by prevailing liberal ideologies in academia. Despite their grassroots claims, concerns linger regarding potential financial backings from larger entities known for influencing climate discourse.
The 2025 CPAC underscored a unified front among conservative leaders against established climate policies, with Donald Trump and Liz Truss leading the charge against governmental regulations on energy. The emphasis on deregulation and promoting fossil fuel use was evident throughout the event, aligning with a strategy to appeal to young conservatives and skewed perceptions of climate science. This conference further highlighted political aspirations tied to energy projects, indicating that energy policy will remain a central theme in future Republican campaigns.
Original Source: whowhatwhy.org
