Environment Directives
Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources
This executive order establishes a US policy to accelerate responsible development of seabed mineral resources, citing national security and economic interests in securing critical minerals independent of foreign adversaries.
The order directs several federal agencies to streamline permitting processes, increase investment in deep-sea technologies, and engage in international partnerships to develop domestic supply chains and counter China's influence in the sector.
It also mandates reporting on various aspects of seabed mineral resource development, including assessments of environmental impacts, economic feasibility, and international cooperation.
National Park Week, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's proclamation designates April 19-27, 2025, as National Park Week.
The proclamation emphasizes the importance of national parks as symbols of American greatness, highlighting their historical and natural significance.
It encourages all Americans to visit and learn about these parks, connecting National Park Week to the commemoration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and referencing past presidential actions related to park renaming and the creation of a new monument honoring American patriots.
Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness
President Trump issued an executive order to restore American seafood competitiveness.
The order aims to address unfair trade practices, reduce excessive regulations burdening the fishing industry, improve data collection for effective management, and promote the consumption of domestically produced seafood.
Specific actions include reviewing and revising regulations, modernizing data collection, developing a comprehensive seafood trade strategy, addressing unfair trade practices and IUU fishing, and reviewing existing marine national monuments for the possibility of opening to commercial fishing.
Unleashing American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation modifying the regulations of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM).
The proclamation removes the ban on commercial fishing within designated areas, asserting that existing laws adequately protect the monument's resources.
The action aims to benefit American fishermen and the US fishing industry, particularly in territories like American Samoa, by restoring access to previously restricted fishing grounds and lessening their disadvantage against foreign competitors.
The Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior are directed to publish new regulations and implement the amended policy, coordinating with the Secretary of Defense.
The proclamation maintains the freedom of the seas and protection of US Armed Forces activities within the area.
Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century
This Presidential memorandum addresses inefficiencies in the environmental permitting process for infrastructure projects.
It mandates the modernization of technology used for environmental review and permitting, setting deadlines for the creation of a comprehensive action plan, a dedicated innovation center, and the adoption of new data and technology standards across involved agencies.
The goal is to accelerate project approval times while maintaining review quality and transparency.
Military Mission for Sealing the Southern Border of the United States and Repelling Invasions
This Presidential Memorandum directs the military to take a more active role in securing the US Southern border.
It grants the Department of Defense jurisdiction over certain Federal lands to facilitate border security operations, including construction and surveillance.
The memorandum details phased implementation, starting in a limited sector before expanding, while clarifying that actions are consistent with existing laws and subject to budgetary approvals.
Directing the Repeal of Unlawful Regulations
This presidential memorandum orders federal agencies to swiftly repeal regulations deemed unlawful, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Agencies must complete a 60-day review, then repeal unlawful regulations using the Administrative Procedure Act's 'good cause' exception, justifying any exceptions.
A 30-day report on the review's findings is also required.
Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy
This presidential order mandates a review of energy-related regulations within specific federal agencies.
The order aims to streamline the regulatory process by instituting 'sunset' provisions, requiring periodic review and potential removal of existing regulations.
This initiative seeks to stimulate innovation and economic growth within the energy sector by reducing regulatory burdens deemed excessive or outdated, ultimately promoting what the order characterizes as needed economic progress.
Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241
This executive order prioritizes the revitalization of the American coal industry, emphasizing its role in national security and economic prosperity.
It directs federal agencies to remove regulatory obstacles to coal production, increase domestic coal use, and promote coal exports.
The order also seeks to incorporate coal more broadly into other sectors, such as powering artificial intelligence data centers and supplying the steel industry.
Multiple agencies are tasked with implementing these changes.
Rregulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Promote American Energy
President Trump issued a proclamation exempting certain coal-fired power plants from compliance with stricter emission standards for two years.
The rationale cited is that the required technology is not yet commercially available, and that forcing compliance would jeopardize the nation's energy security, the viability of the coal sector, and national security itself.
The exemption postpones enforcement until technologies become viable, maintaining existing emission standards during this period.
Protecting American Energy From State Overreach
This executive order directs the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws deemed to unduly burden domestic energy production.
It cites concerns over national and economic security, federalism, and interstate commerce, arguing that these state-level policies inflate energy costs and contradict the administration's goal of energy dominance.
The order prioritizes addressing policies related to ‘climate change’ or ‘environmental, social, and governance’ initiatives.
The Attorney General is tasked with taking legal action and reporting back to the President within 60 days.
Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful
President Trump issued an executive order aiming to enhance safety and beauty in Washington, D.C. The order establishes a task force to coordinate federal and local efforts to combat crime, primarily focusing on immigration enforcement and improving law enforcement resources available to the Metropolitan Police Department.
Simultaneously, it directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement a beautification program encompassing coordinated cleanup initiatives, monument restoration, and graffiti removal, while promoting private-sector involvement.
The order emphasizes making the nation’s capital a safe, beautiful, and prosperous city for all Americans.
Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.
The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.
It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.
The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.
Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.
Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History
President Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The order addresses what it deems a concerted effort to rewrite American history with a negative and ideologically driven narrative. It targets the Smithsonian Institution, aiming to remove what it considers improper ideologies from its exhibits and programs, and securing congressional support to allocate future funding accordingly.
Additionally, it mandates infrastructure improvements at Independence National Historical Park by July 4, 2026 and directs the Secretary of the Interior to review and reinstate public monuments removed or altered to promote a distorted historical narrative.
Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
President Trump issued an executive order to significantly increase American mineral production.
The order aims to bolster national and economic security by reducing dependence on foreign mineral sources.
It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting for mineral production projects, prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands, and leverage public and private funding to support domestic mineral companies.
The order addresses regulatory streamlining, waste disposal, and encouraging capital investment, clarifying the treatment of mine waste under the Mining Act of 1872.
Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness
This presidential order prioritizes state, local, and individual roles in national resilience and preparedness.
It directs the review and update of existing federal policies related to critical infrastructure, national continuity, and emergency response using a risk-informed approach.
The order also establishes a National Risk Register to quantify risks to national infrastructure, guiding future investments and budget priorities, and mandates a review of the complex system of national government functions for emergency and crisis response.
Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy
This executive order directs the continued reduction of the federal bureaucracy by eliminating or significantly downsizing several governmental entities.
The order targets specific agencies, including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the US Agency for Global Media, and others, instructing agency heads to submit reports detailing compliance within seven days.
Funding requests deemed inconsistent with the order's goals are to be rejected, while existing legal authorities are preserved.
The order explicitly states it does not create any legally enforceable rights.
Additional Recissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
President Trump issued an executive order revoking several executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations issued by the Biden administration.
The order focuses on restoring common sense to the federal government.
Specific actions revoked include those related to COVID-19 response, foreign policy workforce revitalization, LGBTQ+ human rights, minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply interruption, infant formula supply, solar energy, insulation, electrolyzers, heat pumps, biotechnology, multiple Department of Defense supply chains, and worker empowerment.
The order emphasizes that it does not create any new legal rights or benefits.
Honoring Jocelyn Nungaray
President Trump issued an executive order renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
This action commemorates Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl murdered in Houston, whose death the order links to the prior administration's immigration policies.
The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement the renaming within 30 days, using existing legal authority.
It contains standard clauses regarding non-impairment of existing agency authorities and budgetary considerations, and disclaims the creation of any new legal rights or benefits.
Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber
President's order directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of imported timber, lumber, and their derivative products.
The order cites vulnerabilities in the domestic wood supply chain, emphasizing the industry's critical role in national security and economic strength.
The investigation will assess various factors, including domestic production capacity, foreign competition, and government subsidies.
This action aims to ensure a reliable and secure domestic supply chain and may lead to measures such as tariffs or quotas.
Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production
This Presidential order mandates the expansion of domestic timber production by directing federal agencies to simplify approval processes, address regulatory hurdles, and increase the annual amount of timber offered for sale from federal lands.
The actions aim to bolster the timber industry, create jobs, enhance national security, and improve forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risks.
The involved agencies are instructed to report their progress via a series of deadlines spanning from 30 to 280 days.
Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Regulatory Initiative
This executive order directs a comprehensive review of existing federal regulations to identify and potentially rescind those deemed unlawful, unconstitutional, or detrimental to the national interest.
Agencies are tasked with reviewing regulations according to specified criteria, prioritizing those with significant costs or impacts.
The aim is to limit federal overreach, improve regulatory efficiency, and restore the constitutional separation of powers.
The order also establishes a process for reviewing proposed regulations through the Office of Management and Budget.
President Donald J. Trump Approves Kentucky Emergency Declaration
President Donald J. Trump declared a federal emergency in Kentucky following severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, and landslides that began on February 14, 2025.
The declaration authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts across all 120 counties, providing emergency protective measures with 75% federal funding.
A FEMA coordinator has been appointed to oversee recovery operations.
Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council
This Presidential order establishes the National Energy Dominance Council within the Executive Office of the President.
The Council, chaired by the Secretary of the Interior, will advise the President on strategies to achieve energy dominance through increased domestic production and reduced reliance on foreign energy sources.
The order aims to drive down inflation, boost economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national security.
The Council is tasked with developing a national energy strategy, recommending policy changes, and coordinating across various federal agencies.
Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission
This Presidential order establishes the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission to address the significant health challenges facing Americans.
The commission will investigate the rising rates of chronic diseases and childhood illnesses, aiming to identify underlying causes and recommend policy changes.
It will focus on improving data transparency and conducting rigorous research to achieve its goals, collaborating across various federal agencies for a comprehensive approach.
Nominations Sent to the Senate
The President submitted numerous nominations for key positions across various federal departments and agencies to the Senate for confirmation.
These nominations span a wide range of portfolios, including Health and Human Services, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Education, Commerce, State, Treasury, Energy, Environmental Protection, and others.
The President also announced a withdrawal of a previously submitted nomination.
Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws
President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.
The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.
This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.
Gulf of America Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day.
This declaration commemorates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, reflecting the President's desire to restore American pride in its history and the significance of this geographical area.
This proclamation followed Executive Order 14172, which authorized the renaming and encouraged national recognition.
Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday
This presidential order establishes the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday to plan the 2026 anniversary celebration.
It also reinstates previous executive orders focused on protecting American monuments and building a National Garden of American Heroes, expanding the latter to include 250 historically significant figures.
The order details the task force's composition, responsibilities, and reporting requirements, while clarifying that it does not create new legal rights or benefits.
Emergency Measures to Provide Water Resources in California and Improve Disaster Response in Certain Areas
This executive order directs federal agencies to take immediate action to address the devastating wildfires in Southern California by providing additional water resources, overriding obstructive state policies and expediting disaster relief efforts.
It also mandates reviews of federal programs impacting water management and disaster preparedness in California, investigates potential misuse of federal funds by Los Angeles, and orders similar expedited disaster relief measures for areas of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.
Executive Actions in President Trump's First 100 Hours of Second Term
In the initial 100 hours of his second term, President Donald Trump signed numerous executive orders focused on securing the border, removing discriminatory practices, boosting investments, and modifying energy policies.
This marked an unprecedented beginning of his term and included aggressive measures towards border control, ending industry regulations, and encouraging domestic investments.
Nominations Transmitted to the Senate
On January 22, 2025, the President transmitted a series of nominations to the Senate for key positions across multiple federal agencies.
These nominations include individuals for Under Secretary roles in Agriculture, Deputy Secretary positions in Transportation, Energy, and Veterans Affairs, as well as other senior leadership roles within agencies such as the Small Business Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Treasury, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Interior, and Education.
The purpose is to fill vacancies in various government agencies.
RESTORING NAMES THAT HONOR AMERICAN GREATNESS
This executive order mandates the renaming of Mount McKinley to its former name and the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." It also calls for a review of the U.S. Board on Geographic Names' appointees and their processes for naming and renaming geographical locations and directs the Secretary of the Interior to implement these changes.
The order emphasizes the importance of honoring American heroes and heritage in the naming of national landmarks.
UNLEASHING ALASKA'S EXTRAORDINARY RESOURCE POTENTIAL
This executive order aims to unlock Alaska's natural resource potential by reversing previous restrictions on resource development.
It directs various federal agencies to expedite permitting and leasing processes for energy and natural resource projects, prioritize Alaska's liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, and overturn specific actions taken by the previous administration that targeted resource development in Alaska.
The order also focuses on reviewing and potentially rescinding previous decisions related to land management and environmental impact statements.
Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Government's Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects
This presidential memorandum temporarily withdraws all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind energy leasing, pending a review of federal wind leasing and permitting practices.
It also calls for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of wind projects, including a review of the Lava Ridge Wind Project's Record of Decision.
The Attorney General is authorized to coordinate with any courts concerning ongoing lawsuits involving wind projects.
The various Secretaries of relevant departments within the federal government are tasked with providing reports and analyses to assist in this review.
DECLARING A NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY
President declares a national energy emergency due to inadequate domestic energy supply and infrastructure, jeopardizing national security and economic prosperity.
The executive order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to increase domestic energy production, expedite infrastructure projects, and streamline permitting processes, especially in the Northeast and West Coast regions.
It also mandates interagency coordination and reporting to expedite approvals under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act, while considering impacts on environmental protection.
Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture
This presidential memorandum directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to recommend revisions to federal building design guidelines within 60 days.
The goal is to ensure that new federal buildings reflect regional architectural heritage, utilize traditional and classical styles, and enhance the aesthetic quality of public spaces.
The GSA must notify the President 30 days prior to approving any design diverging from this policy.
Putting People over Fish: Stopping Radical Environmentalism to Provide Water to Southern<br>California
President's memorandum directs the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to immediately resume a plan to divert more water from Northern California's rivers to Southern California, reversing a prior halt due to a lawsuit.
The plan aims to address water scarcity and mitigate wildfire risks, citing recent devastating wildfires as evidence for the urgency.
The Secretaries are required to report their progress within 90 days.
UNLEASHING AMERICAN ENERGY
President's executive order, "Unleashing American Energy," aims to boost domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
The order directs federal agencies to review and revise regulations hindering energy exploration and development, particularly targeting oil, natural gas, coal, and critical minerals.
It revokes several previous executive orders focused on climate change and environmental protection and expedites permitting processes for energy projects.
The stated goals are to lower energy costs, create jobs, enhance national security, and restore the nation's economic competitiveness.
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST IN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
This executive order prioritizes US economic interests in international environmental agreements.
It directs the withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement and other related UN commitments, revokes the US International Climate Finance Plan, and mandates a review of all relevant policies to ensure they align with this new priority.
The order emphasizes safeguarding American jobs and economic growth while still pursuing environmental protection, but through methods that minimize burdens on the US.
Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
This presidential memorandum institutes a temporary freeze on new federal regulations and initiates a review process for existing and pending rules.
All executive departments and agencies must halt rule-making until appointed heads review and approve them.
Rules already submitted but not published are withdrawn for review, published rules are subject to a 60-day postponement, and the Office of Management and Budget oversees the entire process.
Any actions contradicting this memorandum may be addressed via modification or extension.
INITIAL RESCISSIONS OF HARMFUL EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND ACTIONS
This executive order, issued January 20, 2025, revokes numerous executive orders and actions from the preceding administration.
The order cites concerns about the previous administration's policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI); border security; and climate change, deeming them unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical.
The order directs several agencies and officials to review and rescind affected policies and actions, initiating a broader effort to restore what is described as common sense to the federal government.
President Trump Announces Acting Cabinet and Cabinet-Level Positions
President Trump issued a directive appointing acting cabinet secretaries and other high-level officials across numerous federal agencies.
The appointees are temporarily filling their positions until permanent replacements are selected, with the directive citing 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq. as legal justification.
The directive lists numerous individuals and their assigned acting roles, ensuring continuity in government operations.
President Trump Announces Cabinet and Cabinet-Level Appointments
On January 20, 2025, President Trump announced his nominations for numerous cabinet positions and key leadership roles within his administration.
The announcement lists nominees for positions such as Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and numerous other cabinet-level roles, initiating the process of Senate confirmation for these individuals.