Navigating Trump administration executive orders impacting environment and energy initiatives.

By Janice Schneider, Jean-Philippe Brisson, Nikki Buffa, and Betty M. Huber

See EO: Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements

Date Issued: January 20, 2025

Agency Impacted: All “relevant” agencies

Summary: This EO withdraws the US from the Paris Agreement and from any commitments made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also rescinds the US International Climate Finance Plan and requires relevant agency heads to submit reports on how they will rescind or revoke policies implemented to advance the Plan.

Timeline: Due to UN rules, withdrawal from the Paris Agreement will become effective in one year, on January 20, 2026. The revocation or withdrawal from any commitments under the UNFCC is due immediately. Agency heads have 30 days to submit their reports on revoking or rescinding policies implemented to advance the International Climate Finance Plan.

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.