Trump administration identifies hundreds of energy projects that could be fast-tracked
Share and Follow


The Trump administration has identified hundreds of “emergency” energy projects whose approvals could be fast-tracked.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has updated its website to put hundreds of new projects on its emergency docket under President Trump’s energy emergency declaration.

Among those on the list are approval for the construction of a tunnel that would allow a segment of the controversial Line 5 pipeline to run through Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac.

The Corps’s website states that projects that are considered “emergencies” can be expedited. 

The Corps did not directly respond to questions as to whether the projects identified under the executive order would be given such treatment. 

Instead, Army Corps spokesperson Doug Garman said via email that the agency “is in the process of reviewing active permit applications relative to the Executive Order.”

The agency’s website states that an “emergency” is a situation that would result in an unacceptable hazard to life, a significant loss of property or an immediate, unforeseen and significant economic hardship

As of Wednesday afternoon, 593 pending permits for about 350 different projects were listed as being on the emergency docket because of Trump’s declaration. 

Many of them are for fossil fuel-related projects, including various pipelines, oil well pads and projects related to coal and gas. However, solar energy projects also appear on the list. 

Nevertheless, environmental organizations expressed concerns that the federal government may not give these expedited projects a full environmental review. 

“The Trump Administration appears to be gearing up to use false claims of an ‘energy emergency’ to fast-track and rubber-stamp federal approvals for projects across the country that will be destructive to America’s wetlands, waterways, and communities,” said David Bookbinder, Director of Law and Policy at the Environmental Integrity Project, in a written statement. 

“This end-run around the normal environmental review process is not only harmful for our waters, but is illegal under the Corps’ own emergency permitting regulations,” he added.

His group highlighted projects that it found to be of particular concern, including not only Line 5, but also potential permits for an oil pipeline running beneath Louisiana’s Sabine Lake, a major gas-fueled power plant in Texas, expansion of a sand and gravel mine in Pennsylvania and a gold mine inside a national forest in Idaho.

Trump declared a national energy emergency on his first day in office and has repeatedly argued that the U.S. faces an emergency situation due to Biden’s energy policies. 

Under Biden, oil production reached new highs. However, the Biden administration also took steps to restrict oil and gas drilling on public lands and in public waters.

The declaration itself directs the leaders of federal agencies to identify any emergency authorities they may have to facilitate the production or processing of energy. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Graphic anti-ICE imagery at University of Wisconsin shows agent with bullet in head: 'Speak their language'

Controversial Anti-ICE Artwork at University of Wisconsin Depicts Graphic Imagery: Sparks Debate on Campus

Authorities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on Thursday that they have…
Did Demi Engemann Quit ‘The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’?

Has Demi Engemann Stepped Away from ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’? Here’s What We Know

Amidst allegations of infidelity and contentious contract talks, Demi Engemann became a…
Charlie Sheen and his '80s ex Dolly Fox have gotten closer since the release of "The Book of Sheen"

Charlie Sheen Reconnects with ’80s Flame Dolly Fox Amid Buzz Over ‘The Book of Sheen

Charlie Sheen has reconnected with his former flame from the 1980s, Dolly…
Marine who murdered little girl, 6, to be executed in Florida

Florida to Execute Former Marine Convicted of Murdering 6-Year-Old Girl

A former Marine, found guilty of murdering a six-year-old girl over 40…
Blake Lively scores new legal victory amid suit against Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively Achieves Legal Triumph in Ongoing Litigation with Justin Baldoni

Blake Lively celebrated a significant legal triumph recently when a defamation lawsuit…
PCSO: Inmate captured after escaping police custody during medical appointment

Breaking News: Escaped Inmate Recaptured After Daring Medical Appointment Getaway

Authorities have issued a warning regarding Eddie Tripp, urging the public not…
Trove of Epstein emails confirm 'Andrew and Virginia' photo is REAL

Revealed: Bombshell Emails Confirm Authenticity of Andrew and Virginia’s Infamous Epstein Photo

In a shocking revelation, Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious financier, confirmed the authenticity…
Chicago judge orders Trump to release 600 illegal migrants

Chicago Judge Mandates Release of 600 Migrants by Trump Administration

A federal judge appointed by President Biden has mandated the release of…