Finding Fern

Trump signed executive orders to increase lumber production across national forests and other public lands in the U.S. while seeking to bypass endangered species protections and other environmental regulations. His declaration of a national energy emergency grants him the authority to override these regulations entirely.

The declaration directs federal agencies to use emergency powers within existing environmental laws to fast-track energy projects. For example, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) includes emergency consultation procedures that allow for expedited reviews or temporary waivers during declared emergencies. By invoking these provisions, the administration can accelerate projects without undergoing the standard, comprehensive environmental assessments typically required.

However, there is no actual energy emergency. The U.S. remains the world’s largest producer of oil and gas.