Under President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of an “energy emergency,” the U.S. government is accelerating the permitting process for various oil pipeline and gas-fired power plant projects. This initiative has raised concerns among consumer advocates who worry that it prioritizes fossil fuel development over clean energy advancement.

Concerns from Consumer Advocates

Tyler Slocum, director of Public Citizen’s energy program, criticized the declaration as an attempt to utilize national security laws to compromise decades of public health and environmental protections. He emphasized that this move primarily benefits wealthy fossil fuel executives who support Trump’s policies with substantial campaign contributions.

Despite warnings from scientists regarding the need to cease fossil fuel extraction to mitigate climate change, Trump claims that the country must “unleash” production to address the alleged energy emergency.

Fast-Tracking of Projects

In line with the emergency declaration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has introduced a new designation for infrastructure project permits. This change allows the approval of approximately 700 pending applications, including over 100 specifically related to fossil fuel extraction.

Risks Highlighted by Environmental Groups

One significant project under scrutiny is Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline, which aims to be constructed under the Mackinac Straits. Environmental organizations have expressed concerns about the potential threat this project poses to the Great Lakes and the millions depending on them for drinking water.

Sean McBrearty, Michigan policy director for Clean Water Action, highlighted the risks associated with expedited approvals, stating, “If this is pushed through on an emergency permit, the implications of an oil spill if there’s an explosion or something during tunnel construction is that over 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline could be at risk.”

Legislative Responses

In response to the declaration, Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) have introduced a resolution to challenge Trump’s energy emergency. During a press conference on Capitol Hill, Kaine noted the current state of U.S. energy production: “We are producing more energy now than at any other point in our history.” He argued that Trump’s actions threaten the progress made with clean energy initiatives.

Heinrich emphasized the uncertainty created by Trump’s declaration, which could hinder economic investments in new energy projects, ultimately affecting job creation and energy costs for families.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Consumer advocates urge state lawmakers and governors, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast, to resist Trump’s directive, asserting that it jeopardizes clean energy advancements and public health. Tyler Slocum has called for support of Senate Joint Resolution 10 to counter Trump’s emergency declaration, stating that the efficiency of energy regulations is crucial for protecting American consumers and the environment.