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3d ago

Trump Administration Implements Emergency Permitting for Fossil Fuels and Mining

The Department of the Interior has enacted measures to cut federal permitting reviews to a maximum of 28 days, sparking legal challenges from environmental groups.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (left) and Energy Secretary Chris Wright speak to reporters outside of the West Wing of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2025.
A pump jack operates near a crude oil reserve in the Permian Basin oil field near Midland, Texas, U.S. February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Eli Hartman
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President Donald Trump came into his second term wanting to ramp up fossil fuel production and continue expanding the American energy industry with a promise to “drill baby, drill.” (AP file/Charlie Riedel)

Overview

  • The new emergency permitting procedures reduce environmental review timelines from years to 14–28 days for fossil fuel and critical mineral projects on federal lands.
  • The measures prioritize oil, gas, coal, uranium, and critical minerals but exclude solar and wind energy projects from expedited reviews.
  • The Department of the Interior is using alternative compliance processes for key environmental laws, including NEPA, ESA, and the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • The Trump administration cites national energy security and economic competitiveness as the rationale for these emergency measures, declared under a national energy emergency.
  • Environmental advocates have signaled immediate legal challenges, arguing the expedited process undermines public health, environmental protections, and public input.