In one of its first executive orders, the Trump Administration claimed a “National Energy Emergency” to support the expansion of the oil and gas industry.  

We are now seeing the first concrete actions triggered by this executive order: a fast-tracked review of over 600 applications for permits to destroy wetlands and impact our nation's waterways, mostly for pipelines and other fossil fuel projects.

First, let’s be clear. There is no real emergency. U.S. oil and gas production are at record highs, and renewable energy sources like solar and wind are growing rapidly.  

The President’s emergency powers are intended for times of true crisis – not to enable an end-run around the law. This “emergency” is a false narrative designed to consolidate power, override foundational legal processes and protections, and prioritize fossil fuel industry profits at the expense of people and the planet. 

These projects span the entire country, from Louisiana and Texas to Michigan, California, Idaho, and beyond, threatening vital ecosystems in every corner of the nation. From oil pipelines and gas plants to mining projects, this is not about energy security—it's about trading fragile ecosystems for unchecked corporate profits.  

What’s at stake? Wetlands that are vital for filtering pollution, preventing flooding and coastal erosion, and supporting diverse wildlife. These fragile resources are at risk now due to the Trump Administration’s efforts to bypass crucial environmental safeguards. The “emergency” review process will allow projects to bypass standard public notice requirements and will reduce environmental scrutiny under the “emergency” review process, which could lead to irreversible harm. 

There is also an element of governing chaos at play here. The Corps first posted on its website that it was granting more than 600 permit applications an “energy emergency” review.  Then, EIP held a press conference to protest the move and articles appeared in The New York Times and more than 50 other news outlets. The next day the public notification disappeared.  

When asked about the change to their website, the Corps issued a statement suggesting that it still plans to conduct “energy emergency” reviews of permits, but may be revising its list of which will receive the “emergency” review.

You can see a list of fast-tracked projects here and learn more about this issue in Oil & Gas Watch News here.  

So what now?  

We need your help! Tell your representatives: We must all speak out against the false claims of an energy emergency and the potentially devastating impact on the waters and wetlands that we hold dear. Please join us in demanding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Congress uphold existing environmental laws and protections.  

Here’s what you can do: 

1. Contact your U.S. Congress members and urge them to reject the manufactured “energy emergency” and demand that the White House and the Corps of Engineers adhere to the bedrock requirements of the Clean Water Act and standard environmental review processes. 

2. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers division offices and express your concern about the accelerated permitting process. If a project is affecting wetlands you care about, call and demand that they protect our wetlands and waterways, not fast-track destructive projects. 

3. Share this message with your friends and family. Help us raise awareness and ensure that these harmful policies face the scrutiny they deserve. 

Together, we can ensure that our environmental laws remain intact, that wetlands remain protected, and that future generations inherit a healthier planet. 

Please, join us today and let your voice be heard!  

To support EIP’s work to hold the Trump Administration accountable, please donate here. 

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