Overview

• The U.S. Department of the Interior has enacted emergency permitting measures to reduce approval times for energy and mining projects to 14–28 days.
• The procedures apply to fossil fuels, uranium, coal, geothermal, hydropower, biofuels, and critical minerals but exclude wind and solar energy projects.
• The move follows President Trump's January 2025 declaration of a national energy emergency aimed at bolstering domestic energy production and reducing reliance on imports.
• Environmental groups have criticized the changes, citing risks to public health, ecosystems, and climate, and are preparing legal challenges.
• Industry representatives, including the National Mining Association, have praised the reforms as essential for U.S. competitiveness and supply chain security.