States Challenge Presidential Order on Energy Projects
In a clash over federal authority and environmental protection, a group of fifteen states has initiated legal action in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at accelerating energy projects. The lawsuit, filed in Washington state, claims the administration is circumventing essential environmental laws, putting endangered species and cultural sites at risk.
The executive order, declared on Trump’s first day in office, introduces a “national energy emergency,” promoting the development of oil and gas through strategies like eminent domain and the Defense Production Act. These measures typically address urgent crises, such as natural disasters or significant oil spills, as outlined by the plaintiffs.
Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside other state officials, contends that agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Interior are neglecting mandatory evaluations under key federal statutes, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the executive order, stating, “The President of the United States has the authority to determine what is a national emergency, not state attorneys or the courts.” She emphasized the importance of American energy independence for national and economic security.
The coalition of attorneys general acknowledges the significance of consistent and affordable energy but highlights that U.S. energy output has reached unprecedented levels. They argue that the executive order unlawfully directs federal entities to bypass legal and regulatory processes, potentially harming vital ecosystems and resources.
The complaint stresses that expedited processes compromise states’ rights, particularly under the Clean Water Act, which allows states to maintain water quality standards. The coalition seeks a judicial ruling to invalidate the executive order and prevent the misuse of emergency permits for projects lacking genuine urgency.
Leading the lawsuit are Attorney General Nick Brown and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, with support from their counterparts in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
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