Navigating Trump administration executive orders impacting environment and energy initiatives.

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

See EO: Unleashing American Energy

Date Issued: January 20, 2025

Agency Impacted: All

Summary: This EO establishes a policy of fossil fuel exploration on federal lands and the Outer Continental Shelf, rescinds policies perceived to burden non-fuel mineral development, promotes consumer choice by eliminating the “EV mandate,” and supports the general deregulation of energy and consumer appliances. It promotes energy exploration on federal lands and waters, ends the pause of the US Department of Energy’s review of LNG export applications, strengthens the US position in domestic mineral production, and requires regulatory reforms (including to NEPA) to eliminate burdensome mandates and support consumer choice. The order revokes several prior climate-related EOs (13990, 13992, 14008, 14007, 14013, 14027, 14030, 14037, 14057, 14072, 14082, and 14096). The order also directs all agencies to pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that do not align with specified policy objectives (i.e., promoting increased fossil energy production and withdrawing support for EVs), pending review.

Timeline: Immediately with goals at day 1, day 30, day 60, and day 90.

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.