President Trump Declares National Energy Emergency

On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14156, entitled "Declaring a National Energy Emergency," in coordination with three other executive orders which, together, articulate the administration’s energy policy. The general thrust of the four orders is to encourage the rapid development of fossil fuel resources and all associated infrastructure, and remove any regulatory obstacles; to reverse federal actions on climate change and energy efficiency; and to prevent wind farms from being built on federal lands and waters.

In "Declaring a National Energy Emergency," President Trump declared a national energy emergency, primarily based on high energy prices. He directed that the following actions be taken:

• Use any lawful emergency authorities “to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources.”
• Use the Defense Production Act and federal eminent domain authorities.
• Issue emergency fuel waivers to allow year-round sale of E15 gasoline.
• “Expedite the completion of all authorized and appropriated infrastructure, energy, environmental and natural resources projects.”
• Use emergency authorities and nationwide permits to grant approvals under Clean Water Act section 404, Rivers and Harbors Act section 10, and Marine Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act section 103 for energy projects.
• Use emergency consultation processes under Endangered Species Act, and frequently convene the Endangered Species Act Committee, for energy projects.
• Use the construction authority of the Army Corps of Engineers.
• The term “energy” is defined to mean “crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals” (i.e., not wind or solar).