The US has never had a comprehensive, cohesive energy policy at the national level despite extensive experience. The record on climate policy is even more bleak. A division in policymaking responsibilities between the federal government and 50 states, ideological differences between liberals and conservatives, and the historical collaboration between the private and public sectors contribute to failure in both areas. Hesitancy to intervene in energy markets has often resulted in inefficient and ineffective policies. This is even more true for climate policy where strong partisan divisions between conservatives (denialists) and liberals (activists) exist. Any climate policies evolved from existing environmental laws in the form of regulations and executive orders. A conservative subsequently reversed these actions and withdrew from the Paris Agreement. With the election of a liberal president and majorities in both houses of Congress, the US is once again attempting to regain global leadership on climate.