The slogan "Drill Baby, Drill," once a polarizing chant from the last US presidential campaign, has re-entered the political mainstream amid renewed fears over energy security, rising fuel costs, and global instability. With American oil production surging in select regions, some point to early victories. However, the broader performance of this aggressive drilling strategy reveals a more complicated reality.
Despite favorable market conditions, several factors have hampered momentum. Regulatory hurdles continue to slow permitting and project execution. Court challenges and environmental lawsuits have delayed drilling efforts in key regions, while local communities and Indigenous groups push back against land use and resource concerns. For instance, the Willow Project in Alaska was approved in 2023 but immediately faced legal opposition, causing delays in development.
In addition to legal and political friction, practical constraints are also taking a toll. The industry faces labor shortages, particularly in skilled trades, and ongoing supply chain disruptions are delaying equipment deliveries and infrastructure development. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, nearly 85% of oil and gas companies report difficulty in finding qualified workers. Even with West Texas Intermediate crude averaging above $80 per barrel in 2024, many energy firms remain hesitant to reinvest aggressively after previous boom-bust cycles. Investors are favoring capital discipline and shareholder returns over rapid expansion. As Chevron CEO Mike Wirth stated in a 2024 earnings call: "We’re producing more with less, and returning more to shareholders — that’s the priority."
Globally, the campaign has offered limited relief. Increased U.S. output has helped cushion the blow from OPEC+ cuts and disruptions due to the war in Ukraine, but not enough to fundamentally alter global pricing or reduce the strategic influence of oil-producing rivals. U.S. crude production reached 13.1 million barrels per day in early 2025, nearing record levels, but oil prices remain high due to international supply constraints. Meanwhile, tariff policies and global economic uncertainty have introduced volatility in demand forecasts and complicated long-term investment planning. These factors weigh heavily on global energy sector stability, contributing to cautious behavior among producers and policymakers alike.
To reignite enthusiasm in the domestic energy sector, policymakers and industry leaders must prioritize several strategic actions.
Streamlining the permitting process, without compromising environmental safeguards, is key. Creating a stable and predictable regulatory environment will boost investor confidence. At the same time, training programs to grow the skilled energy workforce, alongside federal initiatives aimed at restoring U.S. energy dominance on the global stage, can help unify domestic economic interests with international strategic goals. This includes supporting infrastructure modernization, incentivizing domestic production, and strengthening the nation's energy export capabilities.
"Drill Baby, Drill" is far from delivering on its promise or being obsolete — but if it is to succeed in today’s world, it must evolve. Energy security and climate responsibility are not mutually exclusive. The next chapter in American energy policy must reflect that reality.
U.S. Crude Oil Production (2021–2025) – Showing steady growth, culminating at 13.1 million barrels/day in 2025.
WTI Crude Oil Prices (2021–2025) – Demonstrating a general upward trend, with prices surpassing $80/barrel in 2024.
Nevada Current. Unintended consequences of Trump’s tariffs: ‘Drill baby drill’ fizzles, price of gold soars. nevadacurrent.com
