MxM News

Quick Hit:

The Trump administration has officially ended a Biden-era review that threatened restrictions on gas stoves, marking a decisive victory for consumer choice and energy freedom. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) confirmed it will no longer pursue regulations targeting gas-powered stovetops, shutting down a controversial effort spearheaded by Biden-appointed officials.

Key Details:

• CPSC acting chairman Peter Feldman stated the agency is “out of the gas-stoves-banning business” and reaffirmed that the federal government should not dictate household appliance choices.
• The Biden administration’s push to scrutinize gas stoves began in 2023, triggering widespread backlash from consumers, lawmakers, and industry leaders.
• President Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to reverse Biden-era energy efficiency regulations and protect Americans’ freedom to choose their appliances.

Diving Deeper:

The Biden administration’s quiet war on gas stoves became public in early 2023 when then-CPSC Commissioner Richard Trumka Jr. suggested that gas stoves posed a “hidden hazard” and floated the possibility of banning them. His remarks ignited a firestorm of opposition, with critics decrying the move as government overreach. While the CPSC later claimed it was merely seeking public input on the matter, the review process persisted for nearly two years, leaving open the possibility of future regulatory action.

However, that possibility is now dead. CPSC acting chairman Peter Feldman, appointed after President Trump’s inauguration, told the Washington Free Beacon that the agency has no intention of banning gas stoves. “In electing President Trump, the American people spoke loudly that the United States has no business telling American families how to cook their meals,” Feldman stated, effectively closing the door on any federal intervention against gas appliances.

The decision is another major blow to climate activists and progressive Democrats who have sought to phase out gas stoves in favor of electric alternatives. Several Democrat-led states, including New York, have already implemented bans on gas appliances in new constructions, citing environmental concerns. But at the federal level, Trump’s administration is taking swift action to roll back Biden-era regulatory overreach.

On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order protecting consumers’ rights to choose their household appliances, part of his broader push to restore energy independence and dismantle Biden’s green energy mandates. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), a vocal opponent of the gas stove crackdown, praised the move, noting that left-wing activists were behind the initial push for restrictions. Cruz’s Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, introduced in 2023, sought to prevent any future attempts at a federal ban.

Energy for a Secure Future (ESF), the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), and the First Nations LNG Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase energy trade between Canada and Japan. The MOU was signed at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo and recognizes the growing importance of Indigenous-led LNG projects in Canada’s energy security, reducing global emissions, and driving economic growth for First Nations and the country as a whole.

With Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. uncertain—especially with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports, including 10 per cent on energy—the need to diversify markets has never been more pressing. Canada ships 97 per cent of its oil and gas to the U.S., leaving the country exposed to the political whims of Washington. Expanding trade partnerships with key allies like Japan provides an opportunity to mitigate these risks and build a more resilient economy.

At the heart of Canada’s modern energy industry are First Nations-led LNG projects, which are proving to be a model for economic reconciliation and environmental responsibility. The Haisla Nation’s Cedar LNG, the Squamish Nation’s involvement with Woodfibre LNG, and the Nisga’a Nation’s Ksi Lisims LNG project exemplify Indigenous leadership in Canada’s energy future. These projects bring economic prosperity to Indigenous communities and position Canada as a key player in low-emission energy for the world.

Few people embody this leadership more than Chief Crystal Smith of the Haisla Nation, who received the 2025 Testimonial Dinner Award on February 7. Her vision and determination have brought Cedar LNG—the world’s first Indigenous-majority-owned LNG facility—to life. Under her leadership, this $4-billion project will start up in 2028 and will be one of the most sustainable LNG facilities in the world, powered entirely by BC Hydro’s renewable electricity. Her work is not just about resource development—it represents a country-changing shift in Indigenous economic leadership. By owning the majority of the Cedar LNG project, the Haisla Nation has set a precedent for economic self-determination, long-term job creation, revenue generation, and skills training for Indigenous youth.

She is echoed by Karen Ogen, CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance, who has been a long-time advocate for Indigenous participation in LNG. As she says, “Our involvement in LNG not only represents an opportunity for economic growth for our communities and for Canada but will help the world with energy security and emissions reduction.”

The MOU signed in Tokyo signals Japan’s growing interest in Canadian LNG as part of its energy security strategy. Japan is phasing out coal and needs reliable, low-emission energy sources—Canadian LNG is the answer. Shannon Joseph, Chair of Energy for a Secure Future, said, “Japan wants diverse energy partners, and on this mission, we’ve heard clearly that they want Canada to be one of those partners.”

This partnership also highlights Canada’s missed opportunities over the last decade. As industry leaders like Eric Nuttall of Ninepoint Partners have pointed out, Canada could have avoided its current dependence on U.S. markets had it built more pipelines to the east and west coasts. The cancellation of the Northern Gateway and Energy East pipelines left Canada without the infrastructure to reach Asian and European markets.

Now, with the expansion of Trans Mountain (TMX) and the rise of Indigenous-led LNG projects, Canada has a second chance to shape its energy future.

As B.C. Minister of Economic Development Diana Gibson has said, expanding trade relationships beyond the U.S. is key to Canada’s future.

The First Nations-led LNG sector is demonstrating that Indigenous leadership is driving economic reconciliation and strengthening Canada’s geopolitical influence in global energy markets. For too long, Indigenous communities were merely stakeholders in resource projects—now they are owners and partners. First Nations are proving that responsible development and environmental stewardship can coexist.

With the MOU between Canada and Japan, the growth of LNG projects, and the recognition of Chief Crystal Smith, a new era of Indigenous economic power is emerging. These developments make one thing clear: First Nations are not just leading their communities—they are leading Canada.

In times of trade uncertainty, their vision, resilience, and business acumen are building the foundation for Canada’s energy future, ensuring prosperity is shared between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.