Executive Order 14156
Declaring a National Energy Emergency
Signed on January 20, 2025
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14156, declaring a national emergency over what his administration claims is an inadequate domestic energy supply. The order directs federal agencies to accelerate the identification, leasing, production, refining, and transportation of fossil fuels and critical minerals. It also invokes emergency powers to bypass environmental protections, expand drilling on federal lands, and override state-level clean energy policies.
🔗 Read the Executive Order on the Federal Register
🔗 Read the White House Announcement
What You Should Know
The United States is not facing an energy shortage that justifies an emergency declaration.
Domestic oil and gas production remains at historically high levels, and the country continues to be a net exporter of energy. There is no evidence that the U.S. is experiencing a supply crisis severe enough to warrant emergency powers. Instead, energy price fluctuations are largely driven by corporate price-gouging, global market speculation, and supply chain factors beyond domestic production. This executive order frames the issue as a manufactured crisis to justify extreme measures that benefit the fossil fuel industry.
This order prioritizes fossil fuels while undermining clean energy progress.
The order directs federal agencies to remove barriers to oil, gas, and coal production, but does not include any measures to invest in or expand clean energy sources like wind, solar, or battery storage. It calls for increased extraction on federal lands, even though these lands are critical for conservation efforts and clean energy development. By gutting environmental protections and fast-tracking fossil fuel projects, this order locks the U.S. into a long-term dependence on outdated energy sources instead of preparing for the global transition to renewables.
Environmental protections are being overridden in favor of corporate interests.
By invoking emergency powers, this order allows federal agencies to waive environmental reviews under laws like the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. These reviews exist to prevent pollution, habitat destruction, and long-term environmental harm. Rushing fossil fuel projects without proper oversight will increase the risk of oil spills, air and water pollution, and irreversible damage to ecosystems. Communities living near extraction sites and refineries—often low-income and communities of color—will bear the brunt of these rollbacks.
Energy companies, not consumers, will reap the financial benefits.
The executive order claims to lower energy costs, but does nothing to prevent corporations from continuing to overcharge consumers. Fossil fuel companies have posted record profits while energy prices remain high. Deregulation and increased drilling will not guarantee lower prices for Americans, as the oil and gas extracted from these projects will likely be sold on the global market rather than being used to lower domestic prices.
State and local governments are being stripped of their authority to pursue clean energy policies.
The order specifically targets states in the Northeast and West Coast, accusing them of having “dangerous policies” that harm national security. These states have implemented successful clean energy programs, emissions reduction plans, and policies that promote electric vehicles and efficiency standards. The administration is attempting to override state laws in favor of a federal mandate that forces continued reliance on fossil fuels, undercutting the ability of states to make their own energy choices.
Who Wins?
Fossil Fuel Corporations
This order removes regulatory hurdles that have historically limited fossil fuel expansion. Oil, gas, and coal companies will benefit from fast-tracked drilling permits, fewer environmental restrictions, and access to protected lands, ensuring continued high profits at the expense of public health and the environment.
Right-Wing Politicians and Climate Change Deniers
The administration is using this order to push the false narrative that the U.S. is suffering from an energy crisis caused by clean energy policies. This political move strengthens the influence of climate deniers, fuels misinformation, and undermines scientific consensus on the need for a transition away from fossil fuels.
Foreign Energy Markets
Despite the rhetoric of “energy independence,” much of the increased fossil fuel production encouraged by this order will be exported to foreign markets. This means that the U.S. will bear the environmental consequences while energy corporations continue to sell to the highest bidder globally.
Who Loses?
Consumers Struggling with Energy Costs
Despite claims that this order will lower energy prices, there are no measures to regulate corporate price manipulation. Fossil fuel companies will continue to set prices based on market conditions and shareholder interests, not consumer relief.
The Environment and Public Health
Rolling back environmental protections will lead to increased air and water pollution, higher carbon emissions, and more climate-related disasters. Communities near drilling sites and refineries will face heightened risks of respiratory diseases, cancer, and contaminated drinking water.
Clean Energy Workers and Future Industries
By focusing solely on fossil fuels, this order slows job growth in the renewable energy sector, which has been one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Investing in outdated energy sources puts the U.S. at a competitive disadvantage compared to nations that are embracing clean energy innovations.
State and Local Governments
States that have worked to transition toward clean energy are being overruled by a federal mandate that forces them to continue relying on fossil fuels. This undermines their ability to pursue climate policies that reflect their economic and environmental priorities.
This executive order is not about energy security—it is about using emergency powers to benefit the fossil fuel industry while rolling back decades of environmental protections. The claim that the U.S. is facing an energy crisis is a political maneuver designed to justify sweeping deregulation that will disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.
Real energy security comes from investing in renewable energy, modernizing infrastructure, and ensuring fair pricing for consumers. Instead of doubling down on outdated fossil fuel dependence, the U.S. should be focusing on long-term solutions that provide stability, sustainability, and affordability.
Take Action
Support Policies that Prioritize Clean Energy
Contact your state and local representatives to advocate for renewable energy investment, emissions reduction policies, and protections against federal overreach that undermines state clean energy programs.
Hold Energy Corporations Accountable
Support efforts to investigate corporate price manipulation and advocate for regulations that prevent oil and gas companies from overcharging consumers while raking in record profits.
Stay Informed and Push Back Against Misinformation
Educate yourself and others about the reality of U.S. energy production and the economic and environmental risks of fossil fuel expansion. Misinformation about energy policy is rampant—challenge false claims and demand fact-based discussions.
Misinformation is a key tool used to justify harmful policies. Do your own research, verify claims, and ensure that energy policies serve the public good, not just corporate profits.
