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ARTICLE · 25 APRIL 2025

Executive Order Targets State Climate Laws, But Existing GHG Permit Requirements Remain Enforceable

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On April 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order titled Protecting American Energy From State Overreach.

United StatesEnvironment
Steven Barringer
Steven Barringer
Steven Russo
Steven Russo
Jane McLaughlin
Jane McLaughlin

On April 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order titled Protecting American Energy From State Overreach. The order directs the U.S. attorney general to identify and take action against state and local laws "burdening" domestic energy development, especially laws addressing climate change, environmental, social, and government (ESG) initiatives, and environmental justice. The order highlights New York, Vermont, and California climate laws as examples of state actions that may be "beyond their constitutional or statutory authorities" and should be targeted by the Justice Department.

Key Provisions of the Executive Order

  • Identification of State Laws: The attorney general is tasked with identifying "all State and local laws, regulations, causes of action, policies, and practices:

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