NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY DECLARED TO BOLSTER NATURAL RESOURCES

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, declaring a national energy emergency to expand domestic oil, gas, coal, and mining production. The order aims to roll back regulations, accelerate permitting, and increase access to federal lands for resource extraction. 

Key Provisions: The order targets an overhaul of current policies to reduce regulatory burdens, fast-track permitting, and incentivize private investment. Specific provisions include: 

• Regulatory Reforms: Calls for a comprehensive review to eliminate environmental regulations deemed restrictive, streamlining approvals for mining and energy projects. 

• Infrastructure Development: Prioritizes the expansion of pipelines, refineries, and mineral processing plants to enhance domestic production capacity. 

• Public Lands Access: Directs the Department of the Interior to expand mining and energy extraction on federal lands, emphasizing minerals vital for batteries, energy storage, and defense industries. 

• Economic Incentives: Introduces tax breaks and subsidies to encourage investment in mining, oil, and gas, focusing on securing supply chains for critical minerals. 

• U.S. as Leading Producer of Minerals: The executive order aims to position the U.S. as the leading producer of nonfuel minerals by encouraging exploration and boosting domestic mineral output. 

• Mining Focus: The order emphasizes the role of domestic mining in securing critical minerals essential for national security, energy independence, and green technologies, positioning the U.S. as a key player in global supply chains. 

• Implications: The Unleashing American Energy executive order supports U.S. energy and mining industries by stimulating domestic production of oil, gas, coal, and key minerals. 

Critics argue that expanding mining and fossil fuel extraction could undermine environmental protections. However, broad support exists for increasing domestic production of critical minerals, with proponents emphasizing its potential to strengthen supply chain security, reduce reliance on imports, and facilitate the transition to green energy technologies.

In the global context, the order signifies a shift toward U.S. self-reliance in securing crucial resources, especially those needed for green technologies, ensuring the future of the U.S. energy and mining sectors. 

The full text of the order is available on the White House website. Serus Legal will closely monitor the implementation of this policy and its impact on the mining and energy sectors. 

Serus Legal is an international law firm using technology and lower overheads to provide high-value legal services. With deep mineral sector expertise, we assist companies in securing government support, structuring acquisitions, and financing resource projects.