Republican President Candidate Donald Trump speaks on TV during a debate with Democratic Candidate Kamala Harris
Letter from the US: Talk is cheap in US presidential election
History shows us that there is a long way to go from candidate proposals to policy implementation
Energy policy has a chequered history when it comes to the last 12 presidential elections. It played a significant role in some. In others, different matters pushed it out of the limelight. Over these 48 years, the key takeaway is that the agendas candidates discussed or promised during campaigns were seldom, if ever, implemented as originally proposed, if implemented at all. Energy was front and centre in the 1976 election as Jimmy Carter, the former Georgia governor, took on the incumbent Gerald Ford. A key pillar of Carter’s rhetoric was his claim the US lacked a coherent and effective energy policy. Ford, in contrast, blamed regulation for many of the nation’s energy-related problems. Af
Also in this section
21 January 2026
Petroleum Economist takes a look at the critical developments that look set to govern the course of the market for this year
20 January 2026
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
20 January 2026
As the global energy system undergoes its most profound transformation in a century, the need for credible leadership, practical solutions and inclusive dialogue has never been greater. In 2026, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will stand at the centre of this conversation as host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh.
20 January 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the host of the 25th WPC Energy Congress on 26-30 April 2026. The Ministry of Energy spoke with Petroleum Economist about the key messages and opportunities for the global energy community.
