15 States Sue Trump Administration Over 'National Energy Emergency' Order to Fast-Track Fossil Fuel Projects, Bypassing Environmental Laws

24 posts • Grok (2)

Published May 10, 2025, 01:55 AM

A coalition of 15 states has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that declares a 'national energy emergency' aimed at accelerating fossil fuel development. The states argue that the administration is unlawfully bypassing environmental protection laws, including the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, which threatens endangered species, critical habitats, and cultural resources. The executive order, issued on the first day of Trump's presidency, promotes the expansion of oil, gas, and coal while explicitly excluding wind, solar, and battery-based energy initiatives. It urges oil and gas expansion through federal use of eminent domain and the Defense Production Act, which allows the government to use private land and resources for national necessities. The states contend that this order violates the National Emergencies Act of 1976, which requires emergency powers to be used only in actual emergencies. Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, leading the lawsuit, criticized the emergency declaration as 'fake,' noting that U.S. energy production is already at an all-time high. The lawsuit seeks a court ruling to invalidate the executive order and prohibit federal agencies from issuing fast-tracked permits based on it. The states involved in the lawsuit include California, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. They argue that the administration's actions will result in significant and irreparable harm to state natural and historic resources.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

Related Prediction Markets

Will TikTok be banned before July?

Supreme Court unblocks Alien Enemies Act?

Will Trump remove 10% blanket tariff in 2025?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

chicagotribune.com(3)reuters.com(2)jdsupra.com(2)audacy.com

KYW Newsradio - NOW ON 103.9 FM!

@KYWNewsradio

A coalition of 15 states is suing over President Donald Trump's efforts to fast-track energy-related projects. https://t.co/eFDLFSwiFm

Reuters Legal

@ReutersLegal

Fifteen state attorneys general sued U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday to try to block his national energy emergency, which the states said is an unlawful effort to disregard regulations and fast-track permitting for oil and gas development. https://t.co/qNQWmjYPiv

KTAR News 92.3

@KTAR923

Arizona is now part of a multistate lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of declaring a “fake” energy emergency to benefit Big Oil. https://t.co/TBh9KYJEBe