Interior Department Fast-Tracks Drilling and Mining Reviews Under Emergency Directive

A new directive from the Interior Department, citing an emergency order from President Trump, will drastically shorten environmental reviews for oil, gas, coal, and mineral projects on public lands—from several years to as little as 14 days. The administration claims authority under laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, though critics argue there is no legitimate energy emergency, pointing out that the U.S. already leads global oil and gas production. Environmental advocates warn the policy weakens critical legal safeguards, silences public input, and paves the way for unchecked industrial expansion in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. These reviews are designed to protect wildlife, water sources, and cultural sites by allowing public scrutiny before development proceeds. By bypassing these steps, the directive could accelerate environmental degradation and pollution. Opponents caution that using emergency powers in this way undermines environmental law and threatens democratic decision-making. Legal challenges are expected.

28-04-2025