National Energy Emergency Declaration May Accelerate Traditional Energy Infrastructure Projects

On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) declaring a National Energy Emergency, aiming to enhance domestic energy resource development and critical minerals capacity. The EO could expedite federal permitting and approval processes for a variety of energy infrastructure projects, although the definition of "Energy" and "Energy Resources" excludes certain renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen, from its scope.

Scope and Objectives

The EO cites high energy costs and an unreliable energy grid as threats to national security and economic prosperity. It defines "energy" and "energy resources" broadly to include traditional resources such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, uranium, biofuels, critical minerals, lease condensates, refined petroleum products, geothermal heat, and the kinetic movement of flowing water. However, this list of energy resources notably excludes solar, wind, and hydrogen.