With Bold Action from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Energy Independence Takes a Giant Leap Forward
In a bold move to start his second term and secure America’s future, President Trump declared a National Energy Emergency. To align with this historic executive order, Secretary Doug Burgum of the Department of the Interior (DOI) has announced emergency permitting procedures that will dramatically accelerate the development of domestic energy resources and critical minerals, shortening a process that once took years to a matter of days.
This action is more than policy. It’s a statement of urgency and strength, and we applaud Secretary Burgum’s bold and swift action. The United States must no longer tolerate the bureaucratic gridlock that has stifled innovation, weakened our energy infrastructure, and made us increasingly dependent on unstable foreign energy sources. These new procedures will cut through the red tape to unleash the full potential of our natural resources.
What This Means for America:
- Faster Permits, Stronger Security: Energy projects that once languished in permitting limbo for years will now receive decisions in 28 days or less. That includes full Environmental Impact Statements, which previously took up to two years to complete.
- Streamlined Reviews: DOI is using emergency authorities to fast-track reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, while still honoring environmental safeguards and cultural consultation.
- Strategic Focus: From exploration and leasing to refining and transportation, this initiative supports the entire lifecycle of energy development across the United States.
As Secretary Burgum stated, “President Trump has made it clear that our energy security is national security, and these emergency procedures reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting both.”
He’s right. Energy independence isn’t just an economic issue. It’s a matter of national security and long-term stability. Our military readiness, manufacturing base, rural economies, and global competitiveness all rely on reliable access to energy and the critical minerals that power everything from smartphones to fighter jets.
The Trump administration has made it clear: the era of energy hesitation is over. America is once again taking its future into its own hands. By embracing this moment and unleashing our domestic resources, we are not only powering the nation but empowering it.
April 24, 2025