Navigating Trump administration executive orders impacting environment and energy initiatives.
By Janice Schneider, Jean-Philippe Brisson, Nikki Buffa, and Betty M. Huber
See EO: Declaring A National Energy Emergency
Date Issued: January 20, 2025
Agency Impacted: All
Summary: This EO declares a national energy emergency due to the United States’ inadequate energy supply, infrastructure, and prices and identifies this inadequacy as a threat to national security and economic stability. The EO directs federal agencies to expedite the identification, leasing, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources (including critical minerals), and leverage emergency authorities under laws like the Defense Production Act, Endangered Species Act, and Clean Water Act to enhance the nation’s energy security.
Timeline: Immediately, with goals at the 30- and 60-day mark. It also convenes the Endangered Species Act Committee quarterly to review exemption applications under the Endangered Species Act (known as the “God Squad”).
Latham & Watkins has a proven track record of guiding clients through transitions in US administrations, leveraging our deep expertise and understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape. In the first week of the Trump Administration, a total of 48 executive orders were issued, marking a significant and rapid commencement of policy changes with potential impacts across business sectors. This package provides a concise analysis by Latham lawyers of 15 key executive orders that are anticipated to have the most substantial business implications.
For a comprehensive list of all executive orders issued, please visit the official White House website.
Additional details about Latham’s capabilities as well as contact information for several Latham lawyers with former government experience or who serve as key contacts in relevant practice areas, can be found at the end of this package.
We welcome the opportunity to connect with you to understand your specific needs and explore how we can assist you in navigating these changes. Please reach out to Latham for more detailed analysis and to stay informed about additional insights as they become available.