Energy Directives
Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure
This presidential order aims to accelerate the development of AI data center infrastructure by significantly streamlining federal permitting processes.
The order directs various federal agencies to provide financial aid, expedite environmental reviews, leverage existing programs like FAST-41, and utilize federal lands for these projects.
It revokes a prior executive order on AI infrastructure and emphasizes a focus on national security and economic competitiveness.
Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Further Promote American Energy
President Trump issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from stricter EPA emission standards for several specified coal-fired power plants.
The exemption is justified on grounds of national energy security, grid reliability, and the unavailability of commercially viable technology to meet the stricter standards.
The proclamation cites potential negative economic and national security consequences of immediate compliance with the new rule.
Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Chemical Manufacturing Security
President Trump issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from specific Clean Air Act regulations for listed chemical manufacturing facilities.
The exemption, justified by national security concerns and the unavailability of necessary compliance technologies, aims to protect the domestic chemical industry and reduce reliance on foreign producers.
The proclamation identifies several facilities across multiple states and asserts that the temporary exemption will allow these facilities to continue operation while solutions to comply with the HON Rule are developed.
Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Iron Ore Processing Security
President Trump issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from the Taconite Rule for specific iron ore processing facilities.
The exemption, based on national security and economic considerations, cites the unavailability of necessary technology for prompt compliance with the rule and concerns over the impact on domestic steel production, critical infrastructure, and supply chain resilience.
The proclamation identifies specific facilities from United States Steel Corporation and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. as beneficiaries of the delay, extending compliance deadlines by two years.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
President Biden submitted a series of nominations to the Senate for key positions within various federal agencies.
These nominations include ambassadors to international organizations, United States Attorneys, agency leadership roles such as Chief Agricultural Negotiator and CFO of the Department of Agriculture, members of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board, and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture.
The nominees represent diverse states and bring a range of experience to their respective positions.
Ending Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign‑Controlled Energy Sources
This presidential order aims to eliminate government subsidies for wind and solar energy, arguing that they are expensive, unreliable, and create dependence on foreign supply chains.
The order directs the Departments of the Treasury and Interior to take swift action to end these subsidies, implement stricter regulations, and conduct reviews of existing policies.
Reports on these actions are required within 45 days of the order's issuance.
Presidential Permit: Authorizing Junction Pipeline Company, LLC to Construct, Connect, Operate, and Maintain Pipeline Facilities at Toole County, Montana, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada
President Donald J. Trump issued a presidential permit to Junction Pipeline Company, LLC, allowing the construction, operation, and maintenance of pipeline facilities at the US-Canada border in Toole County, Montana.
The permit authorizes the import of crude oil and various petroleum products from Canada.
However, the permit is explicitly subject to numerous conditions, including adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, regular inspections by relevant agencies, and removal of the facilities upon permit termination.
The permit also reserves the right of the US government to take possession of the facilities for national security reasons, and emphasizes that it does not create any legally enforceable rights against the US government.
Presidential Permit Authorizing Steel Reef US Pipelines LLC To Operate and Maintain Pipeline Facilities at Burke County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada
President Donald J. Trump issued a permit to Steel Reef US Pipelines LLC, allowing the operation and maintenance of existing pipeline facilities at the US-Canada border in Burke County, North Dakota for the export of natural gas liquids to Canada.
The permit outlines specific conditions, including adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, mandatory inspections by federal, state, and local agencies, and provisions for the removal of facilities upon permit termination.
It clarifies that the permit does not create any legally enforceable rights against the United States.
Simplifying the Funding of Energy Infrastructure and Critical Mineral and Material Projects
President Trump issued a memorandum to streamline federal funding for energy infrastructure and critical mineral projects.
The memorandum mandates that agencies share information regarding funding applications and commitments with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
The action also requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the NEDC to develop a common application for accessing these funding opportunities, enabling applicants to apply to multiple programs simultaneously.
Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Generate Power for the Columbia River Basin
President Trump issued a memorandum to prevent the breaching of four dams on the Lower Snake River to maintain hydroelectric power generation.
The action revokes a previous memorandum prioritizing fish populations and climate change concerns, citing the potential loss of 3,000 megawatts of energy and negative consequences for the region.
The President directs relevant agencies to withdraw from related agreements and initiate an updated environmental review process.
Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response
This executive order addresses the inadequate response to wildfires, particularly citing the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires.
It directs federal agencies to consolidate wildland fire programs, encourage local governments to adopt proactive measures, and modernize prevention and response strategies.
The order involves streamlining federal governance, promoting technological advancements, and reviewing policies that hinder wildfire prevention and mitigation.
It also aims to facilitate the use of responsible land management practices and modern resources through regulatory review and technological improvement.
Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
This executive order establishes a comprehensive policy to accelerate the development, deployment, and export of advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security purposes.
It directs several federal agencies to implement specific programs, including deploying nuclear reactors at military bases and Department of Energy facilities, allocating resources for related research and development, and aggressively promoting American nuclear exports through diplomatic and financial initiatives.
The order also emphasizes compliance with environmental regulations and seeks to streamline permits and approvals.
Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
President Trump's executive order directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to undergo significant restructuring and regulatory reform.
The order aims to accelerate the licensing and deployment of new nuclear reactors, expand US nuclear energy capacity, and re-establish American global leadership in nuclear energy.
Key components involve revising outdated safety models, streamlining licensing processes with fixed deadlines, and reorganizing the NRC to promote efficiency.
The stated goal is to improve energy independence, stimulate economic growth and create high-paying jobs while maintaining a high standard of nuclear safety.
Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
President Trump issued an executive order to significantly accelerate advanced nuclear reactor development and deployment in the United States.
The order streamlines the Department of Energy's processes for reviewing and approving reactor projects, reformulates existing environmental review processes according to NEPA guidelines, and launches a pilot program to build reactors outside of national laboratories.
The goal is to have at least three reactors operational by July 4, 2026, leveraging decades of research to generate a reliable, diversified, and affordable energy supply and strengthen national security.
Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base
President Trump's executive order prioritizes the revitalization of the American nuclear energy industry.
The order mandates multiple actions by federal agencies, including developing a national policy for spent nuclear fuel management, expanding domestic uranium production and enrichment, utilizing the Defense Production Act to secure voluntary agreements with domestic nuclear energy companies, and funding the expansion of nuclear energy related workforce development.
The overarching goal is to achieve energy independence, strengthen national security, and establish American energy dominance.
Rescission of Useless Water Pressure Standards
President Trump issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Energy to rescind or amend regulations on water and energy use for various appliances, arguing they make appliances more expensive and less functional.
The memorandum also directs the Secretary to publish a notice clarifying a waiver of federal preemption of state regulations and instructs the preparation of recommendations for Congressional action to rescind relevant sections of law or the Energy Policy Act of 1992 entirely.
The president's directive is justified on the grounds of minimizing unnecessary regulatory burdens on taxpayers.
Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources
This executive order establishes a US policy to accelerate responsible development of seabed mineral resources, citing national security and economic interests in securing critical minerals independent of foreign adversaries.
The order directs several federal agencies to streamline permitting processes, increase investment in deep-sea technologies, and engage in international partnerships to develop domestic supply chains and counter China's influence in the sector.
It also mandates reporting on various aspects of seabed mineral resource development, including assessments of environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and international cooperation.
Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products
President Trump's order initiates a Section 232 investigation into the national security risks posed by the United States' reliance on foreign sources for processed critical minerals and their derivative products.
The investigation will assess supply chain vulnerabilities, market distortions caused by foreign producers, and the impact on the domestic manufacturing and defense industrial bases.
Recommendations may include tariffs, import restrictions, and measures to incentivize domestic production to bolster national security and economic resilience.
Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products
President Trump issued an executive order initiating a Section 232 investigation into the national security implications of US dependence on foreign sources for processed critical minerals and their derivative products.
The order emphasizes the importance of these materials for both national defense and economic security, citing vulnerabilities in global supply chains and the potential for market manipulation by foreign producers.
The investigation will assess the impact of imports on national security and recommend actions, including the possibility of tariffs and other import restrictions, to mitigate risks and strengthen domestic production.
Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy
This presidential order mandates a review of energy-related regulations within specific federal agencies.
The order aims to streamline the regulatory process by instituting 'sunset' provisions, requiring periodic review and potential removal of existing regulations.
This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation and economic growth within the energy sector by reducing regulatory burdens deemed excessive or outdated, ultimately promoting what the order characterizes as needed economic progress.
Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241
This executive order prioritizes the revitalization of the American coal industry, emphasizing its role in national security and economic prosperity.
It directs federal agencies to remove regulatory obstacles to coal production, increase domestic coal use, and promote coal exports.
The order also seeks to incorporate coal more broadly into other sectors, such as powering artificial intelligence data centers and supplying the steel industry.
Multiple agencies are tasked with implementing these changes.
Rregulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy
President Trump issued a proclamation exempting certain coal-fired power plants from compliance with stricter emission standards for two years.
The rationale cited is that the required technology is not yet commercially available, and that forcing compliance would jeopardize the nation's energy security, the viability of the coal sector, and national security itself.
The exemption postpones enforcement until technologies become viable, maintaining existing emission standards during this period.
Protecting American Energy From State Overreach
This executive order directs the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws deemed to unduly burden domestic energy production.
It cites concerns over national and economic security, federalism, and interstate commerce, arguing that these state-level policies inflate energy costs and contradict the administration's goal of energy dominance.
The order prioritizes addressing policies related to ‘climate change’ or ‘environmental, social, and governance’ initiatives.
The Attorney General is tasked with taking legal action and reporting back to the President within 60 days.
Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid
This executive order addresses the strain on the US electric grid caused by increased energy demand.
It aims to strengthen grid reliability, resilience, and security.
Key actions include streamlining processes for issuing orders under the Federal Power Act, developing a standardized methodology for analyzing reserve margins, and establishing protocols to retain critical generation resources.
The order emphasizes utilizing all available power generation resources to meet growing demand and prevent grid failure.
Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.
It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.
The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.
Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.
Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
President Trump issued an executive order to significantly increase American mineral production.
The order aims to bolster national and economic security by reducing dependence on foreign mineral sources.
It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting for mineral production projects, prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands, and leverage public and private funding to support domestic mineral companies.
The order addresses regulatory streamlining, waste disposal, and encouraging capital investment, clarifying the treatment of mine waste under the Mining Act of 1872.
Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness
This presidential order prioritizes state, local, and individual roles in national resilience and preparedness.
It directs the review and update of existing federal policies related to critical infrastructure, national continuity, and emergency response using a risk-informed approach.
The order also establishes a National Risk Register to quantify risks to national infrastructure, guiding future investments and budget priorities, and mandates a review of the complex system of national government functions for emergency and crisis response.
Additional Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
President Trump issued an executive order revoking several executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations issued by the Biden administration.
The order focuses on restoring common sense to the federal government.
Specific actions revoked include those related to COVID-19 response, foreign policy workforce revitalization, LGBTQ+ human rights, minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply interruption, infant formula supply, solar energy, insulation, electrolyzers, heat pumps, biotechnology, multiple Department of Defense supply chains, and worker empowerment.
The order emphasizes that it does not create any new legal rights or benefits.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
The President submitted a list of nominations to the Senate for numerous key positions across various federal departments and agencies.
These nominations include ambassadors to several countries, leadership appointments within the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Energy, and Justice, as well as other notable roles within the executive branch.
Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production
This Presidential order mandates the expansion of domestic timber production by directing federal agencies to simplify approval processes, address regulatory hurdles, and increase the annual amount of timber offered for sale from federal lands.
The actions aim to bolster the timber industry, create jobs, enhance national security, and improve forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risks.
The involved agencies are instructed to report their progress via a series of deadlines spanning from 30 to 280 days.
Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper
This Presidential order directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of US dependence on foreign copper imports.
The order cites concerns about vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain, particularly the dominance of a single foreign producer, and the critical role of copper in defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
The investigation will assess the effects of copper imports on national security, considering factors like domestic production capacity, foreign competition effects, and the potential for foreign market manipulation.
The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with submitting a report including findings on national security threats and recommendations for mitigating those risks, including potential tariffs, export controls, and incentives for domestic production.
America First Investment Policy
The Presidential memorandum establishes an "America First" investment policy aimed at bolstering US national and economic security.
It prioritizes investments from allies while significantly restricting those from adversaries, particularly China, focusing on sectors like technology, infrastructure, and critical resources.
The policy utilizes existing mechanisms like CFIUS and explores new legal tools, including potential sanctions, to counter adversary acquisition of sensitive US assets.
Expedited review processes for allied investments and stricter oversight of adversary investments are key components.
The memorandum also initiates reviews of existing tax treaties and financial regulations to further protect US interests and direct investment toward domestic growth.
Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Regulatory Initiative
This executive order directs a comprehensive review of existing federal regulations to identify and potentially rescind those deemed unlawful, unconstitutional, or detrimental to the national interest.
Agencies are tasked with reviewing regulations according to specified criteria, prioritizing those with significant costs or impacts.
The aim is to limit federal overreach, improve regulatory efficiency, and restore the constitutional separation of powers.
The order also establishes a process for reviewing proposed regulations through the Office of Management and Budget.
Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council
This Presidential order establishes the National Energy Dominance Council within the Executive Office of the President.
The Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, will advise the President on strategies to achieve energy dominance through increased domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign energy sources.
The order aims to drive down inflation, boost economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national security.
The Council is tasked with developing a national energy strategy, recommending policy changes, and coordinating across various federal agencies.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
The President submitted numerous nominations for key positions across various federal departments and agencies to the Senate for confirmation.
These nominations span a wide range of portfolios, including Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Education, Commerce, State, Treasury, Energy, Environmental Protection, and others.
The President also announced a withdrawal of a previously submitted nomination.
Emergency Measures to Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas
This executive order directs federal agencies to take immediate action to address the devastating wildfires in Southern California by providing additional water resources, overriding obstructive state policies and expediting disaster relief efforts.
It also mandates reviews of federal programs impacting water management and disaster preparedness in California, investigates potential misuse of federal funds by Los Angeles, and orders similar expedited disaster relief measures for areas of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
Executive Actions in President Trump's First 100 Hours of Second Term
In the initial 100 hours of his second term, President Donald Trump signed numerous executive orders focused on securing the border, removing discriminatory practices, boosting investments, and modifying energy policies.
This marked an unprecedented beginning of his term and included aggressive measures towards border control, ending industry regulations, and encouraging domestic investments.
Nominations Transmitted to the Senate
On January 22, 2025, the President transmitted a series of nominations to the Senate for key positions across multiple federal agencies.
These nominations include individuals for Under Secretary roles in Agriculture, Deputy Secretary positions in Transportation, Energy, and Veterans Affairs, as well as other senior leadership roles within agencies such as the Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Treasury, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Interior, and Education.
The purpose is to fill vacancies in various government agencies.
UNLEASHING ALASKA'S EXTRAORDINARY RESOURCE POTENTIAL
This executive order aims to unlock Alaska's natural resource potential by reversing previous restrictions on resource development.
It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting and leasing processes for energy and natural resource projects, prioritize Alaska's liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, and overturn specific actions taken by the previous administration that targeted resource development in Alaska.
The order also focuses on reviewing and potentially rescinding previous decisions related to land management and environmental impact statements.
Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government's Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects
This presidential memorandum temporarily withdraws all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind energy leasing, pending a review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices.
It also calls for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of wind projects, including a review of the Lava Ridge Wind Project's Record of Decision.
The Attorney General is authorized to coordinate with any courts concerning ongoing lawsuits involving wind projects.
The various Secretaries of relevant departments within the federal government are tasked with providing reports and analyses to assist in this review.
DECLARING A NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY
President declares a national energy emergency due to inadequate domestic energy supply and infrastructure, jeopardizing national security and economic prosperity.
The executive order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to increase domestic energy production, expedite infrastructure projects, and streamline permitting processes, especially in the Northeast and West Coast regions.
It also mandates interagency coordination and reporting to expedite approvals under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, while considering impacts on environmental protection.
UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY
President's executive order, "Unleashing American Energy," aims to boost domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
The order directs federal agencies to review and revise regulations hindering energy exploration and development, particularly targeting oil, natural gas, coal, and critical minerals.
It revokes several previous executive orders focused on climate change and environmental protection and expedites permitting processes for energy projects.
The stated goals are to lower energy costs, create jobs, enhance national security, and restore the nation's economic competitiveness.
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
This executive order prioritizes US economic interests in international environmental agreements.
It directs the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement and other related UN commitments, revokes the US International Climate Finance Plan, and mandates a review of all relevant policies to ensure they align with this new priority.
The order emphasizes safeguarding American jobs and economic growth while still pursuing environmental protection, but through methods that minimize burdens on the US.
Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis
This presidential action orders federal agencies to implement measures to combat the high cost of living, which the order attributes to the previous administration's policies.
The action focuses on reducing housing costs, lowering healthcare expenses, eliminating regulations increasing the cost of goods, boosting job creation, and removing what the order terms as “harmful climate policies”.
Progress reports are required every 30 days.
INITIAL RESCISSIONS OF HARMFUL EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND ACTIONS
This executive order, issued January 20, 2025, revokes numerous executive orders and actions from the preceding administration.
The order cites concerns about the previous administration's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); border security; and climate change, deeming them unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical.
The order directs several agencies and officials to review and rescind affected policies and actions, initiating a broader effort to restore what is described as common sense to the federal government.
President Trump Designates Chairmen and Acting Chairmen
On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced the designation of numerous chairmen and acting chairmen for various federal commissions and boards.
The appointments cover a wide range of agencies, including those responsible for communications, energy, labor, finance, and transportation, signaling a significant reshuffling of leadership across the federal government.
President Trump Announces Acting Cabinet and Cabinet-Level Positions
President Trump issued a directive appointing acting cabinet secretaries and other high-level officials across numerous federal agencies.
The appointees are temporarily filling their positions until permanent replacements are selected, with the directive citing 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. as legal justification.
The directive lists numerous individuals and their assigned acting roles, ensuring continuity in government operations.
President Trump Announces Sub-Cabinet APPOINTMENTS
President Trump nominated numerous individuals to fill sub-cabinet level positions across various federal agencies.
The nominations encompass leadership roles in departments including Defense, Health and Human Services, Justice, Homeland Security, Treasury, Agriculture, Energy, and others.
The announcement details the nominees' names, states of residence, and the specific positions for which they are being nominated, which then require Senate confirmation.
President Trump Announces Cabinet and Cabinet-Level Appointments
On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced his nominations for numerous cabinet positions and key leadership roles within his administration.
The announcement lists nominees for positions such as Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and numerous other cabinet-level roles, initiating the process of Senate confirmation for these individuals.