Scope

This issue tracker highlights actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration during the first 100 days following his January 20, 2025, inauguration that may affect energy or environmental policy. The goal is to provide an overview of relevant legislation, executive orders, presidential memoranda, and regulatory actions from January 20 to April 30, 2025. Descriptions are not intended to be comprehensive and may simply reference a small portion of a particular item or action, focusing on the energy-related substance. Related litigation is not included, although it may certainly reflect or impact energy policy.

Check out our research brief on the evolution of U.S. major energy policies, offering a comprehensive overview of key actions and shifts in energy policy from the Obama administration to the early days of Trump’s second term. 

Legislation

Presidential Actions

Executive Orders

4.9.25 – President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order, titled “Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy,” which has not yet been published in the Federal Register. The Executive Order requires federal agencies to incorporate sunset provisions in their regulations with the goal to eliminate outdated rules and promote a more innovative and efficient energy sector. 

4.8.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14262, titled “Strengthening the Reliability and the Security of the United States Electric Grid,” which was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2025. The Executive Order requires the Secretary of Energy to create a framework for preparing for and addressing disruptions to the U.S. electric grid. 

h4.8.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14261, titled “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241,” which was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2025. The Executive Order designates coal production as a national priority and directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to expand coal leasing and evaluate existing regulations that pose a barrier to coal production. Additionally, it reclassifies coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241. 

4.8.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14260, titled “Protecting American Energy from State Overreach,” which was published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2025. The Executive Order directs the Attorney General to identify state-level regulations that conflict with the administration’s energy policy, as outlined in previous Executive Orders, and to take necessary steps to prevent their enforcement or continuation. 

3.24.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14245, titled “Imposing Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil,” which was published in the Federal Register the same day. The Executive Order authorizes a 25% tariff on all goods originating from countries that import Venezuelan oil, either directly or through third parties. These tariffs became enforceable on April 2, 2025. The White House also released a factsheet outlining the details of the order. 

3.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14241, titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” which was published in the Federal Register on March 25, 2025. The Executive Order directs federal agencies to prioritize and speed up approval processes for mining projects. It also requires a review of existing regulations, particularly around waste management in mining, emphasizes the use of federal lands for mineral extraction, and facilitates private investments through financing programs. The Secretary of Defense and the CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation will support domestic projects, including creating a mineral production fund. The Export-Import Bank will offer guidance on financing tools to secure global raw minerals for U.S. processing. 

3.3.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14228, titled “Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China,” which was published in the Federal Register on March 7, 2025. This executive order amends Executive Order 14195 by increasing the imposed tariff rate from 10% to 20%. 

2.18.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14215, titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2025. This order requires that all executive departments and agencies submit proposed and final regulatory actions considered significant to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review before publication in the Federal Register. The executive order does not define what qualifies as a significant agency action. Additionally, it states that legal interpretations by the President and the Attorney General (AG) are binding on all executive-level employees. Agencies are prohibited from advancing legal interpretations that conflict with those of the President or AG, including in regulatory actions and litigation positions. 

2.14.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14213, titled “Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2025. This executive order establishes the National Energy Dominance Council, a new body within the Executive Office of the President. Its purpose is to provide guidance to the President on expanding U.S. energy production. 

2.3.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14196, titled “A Plan for Establishing a United States Sovereign Wealth Fund,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2025. This executive order directs the Secretaries of the Treasury and Commerce to develop a comprehensive plan for creating a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. A White House fact sheet, titled “President Donald J. Trump orders plan for a United Sates sovereign wealth fund,” released on February 3, 2025, outlines potential assets for investment, including U.S. natural resource reserves.

2.1.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14195, titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2025. This executive order imposes a 10% tariff on all imports from China, starting February 4, 2025, at 12:01 am ET.

2.1.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14194, titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2025. This Executive Order imposes a 25% tariff on all products imported from Mexico, effective 12:01 am ET on February 4, 2025.

  • President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14198, titled “Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2025. This order delays the implementation of the tariff rates, pushing their effective date to March 4, 2025, at 12:01 am ET.

2.1.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14193, titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 7, 2025. This executive order imposes a 10% tariff on Canadian energy-related imports, effective at 12:01 am ET on February 4, 2025. The specific energy products affected are defined in Executive Order 14156, titled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.

  • President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14197, titled “Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2025. This order delays the implementation of the tariff rates, pushing their effective date to March 4, 2025, at 12:01 am ET.

1.31.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14192, titled “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” which was published in the Federal Register on February 6, 2025. This executive order requires that executive agencies repeal ten existing regulations for each newly issued regulation and that “for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations, including repealed regulations, be significantly less than zero.”  

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14162, titled “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements,” which was published in the Federal Register on January 30, 2025. This Executive Order directs the immediate U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and other climate-related commitments. It also orders immediate cessation of financial contributions to international climate initiatives and rescinds the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan.

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14153, titled “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” which was published in the Federal Register on January 29, 2025. This Executive Order directs federal agencies to prioritize the development of Alaska’s federal and state lands for oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production. The order focuses on advancing oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and Coastal Plain, reversing actions taken by the Biden Administration. It reinstates cancelled leases in the Arctic Refuge, rescinds the 2024 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and restores the 2019 EIS. The order also directs agencies to reinstate policies from the first Trump administration supporting oil and gas development on federal lands.

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14154, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” which was published in the Federal Register on January 29, 2025. This Executive Order outlines the country’s energy policy objectives. These include eliminating regulatory barriers to energy production, opening federal lands for oil and gas extraction, and reversing policies that promote electric vehicle production. The order directs heads of departments and agencies to review and report on policies and regulations that conflict with these goals and take steps to ensure compliance. Additionally, all agencies are directed to suspend funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects that do not support these objectives. It also cancels the American Climate Corps MOU and disbands the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases (IWG).

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14156, titled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency,” which was published in the Federal Register on January 29, 2025. This Executive Order declares a national energy emergency, arguing the U.S. energy supply is inadequate to meet the country’s needs. It instructs executive agencies to use emergency powers to support domestic energy development, including on Federal lands, and expedite energy infrastructure projects, focusing on the West Coast, Northeast, and Alaska. Additionally, the EPA Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, may issue emergency waivers for year-round E15 gasoline sales to address supply shortages. Agencies, in collaboration with the Secretary of the Army, must identify actions within 30 days eligible for emergency permitting under Army Corps regulations.

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14148, titled “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” which was published in the Federal Register on January 28, 2025. This Executive Order cancels a wide range of executive actions from the previous administration. As part of this action, the following executive orders and presidential memoranda related to energy policy have been rescinded:

  • Executive Order 13990 (January 20, 2021) – Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis
  • Executive Order 14008 (January 27, 2021) – Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
  • Executive Order 14027 (May 7, 2021) – Establishment of the Climate Change Support Office
  • Executive Order 14030 (May 20, 2021) – Climate-Related Financial Risk
  • Executive Order 14037 (August 5, 2021) – Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks
  • Executive Order 14052 (November 15, 2021) – Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
  • Executive Order 14057 (December 8, 2021) – Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability
  • Executive Order 14082 (September 12, 2022) – Implementation of the Energy and Infrastructure Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
  • Presidential Memorandum (March 13, 2023) – Withdrawal of Certain Areas off the U.S. Arctic Coast from Oil and Gas Leasing
  • Executive Order 14096 (April 21, 2023) – Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All
  • Presidential Memorandum (January 3, 2025) –- Designation of Officials of the Council on Environmental Quality to Act as Chairman
  • Presidential Memorandum (January 6, 2025) – Withdrawal of Certain Areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf from Oil or Natural Gas Leasing

Presidential Memoranda

3.26.25 – President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation, titled “Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into the United States,” which was published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2025. This proclamation imposes a 25% tariff on certain imported automobiles and automobile parts, in addition to any existing tariffs on such goods. 

3.14.25 – President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum, titled “Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions,” which was published in the Federal Register on March 20, 2025. This memorandum builds on directives from Executive Order 14148 and repeals additional presidential actions from the prior administration. 

  • Presidential Memorandum (March 31, 2022) – Finding of a Severe Energy Supply Interruption
  • Presidential Determination 2022-15 (June 6, 2022) – Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, on Solar Photovoltaic Modules and Module Components
  • Presidential Determination 2022-17 (June 6, 2022) – President Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, on Electrolyzers, Fuel Cells, and Platinum Group Metals. 

2.13.25 – President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum, titled “Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs,” published in the Federal Register on February 13, 2025. This memorandum announces a policy under which the U.S. will impose reciprocal measures on tariffs, unfair taxes–including value-added taxes–and other unfair costs and policies affecting U.S. businesses engaged in international trade. The policies includes no carve outs for energy imports. The White House also released a Fact Sheet outlining the details of this memorandum. 

2.10.25 – President Donald Trump issued Presidential Proclamations 10895 and 10896, titled “Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States” and “Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States,” respectively, both published in the Federal Register on the same day. The proclamations impose a 25% tariff on aluminum imports from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU member states, and the United Kingdom, and a 25% tariff on steel imports from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the EU, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK. Both tariffs became effective on March 12, 2025. The administration released a factsheet on the measures on February 11, 2025. 

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum titled “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,” requiring all new rules to be reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed after January 20, 2025. Pending rules must be withdrawn for review, and their effective dates can be postponed for 60 days. After review, rules with no major issues will move forward while those with significant concerns will require additional evaluation and action.

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum titled “Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis.” The memorandum requires all executive departments and agencies to evaluate measures within their authority to provide price relief to Americans, including eliminating climate policies and regulations that drive up fuel costs. It requires the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy to submit a report to the President every 30 days on the program of the EO’s implementation.

1.20.25 – President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum titled “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 memorandum directs the temporary withdrawal of offshore areas from wind energy leasing starting January 21, 2025, until further notice. The withdrawal does not affect existing leases or leasing for other purposes such as oil or gas. Additionally, the memorandum requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Lava Ridge Wind Project and evaluate the environmental and economic costs associated with defunct windmills.  

Regulatory Actions by Agency

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

3.24.25 – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published an announcement titled “$900 Million Available to Unlock Commercial Deployment of American-Made Small Modular Reactors,” reissuing a $900 million funding opportunity to support the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of efforts to increase energy production and AI capabilities. According to the agency, “U.S. electricity demand is forecast to soar in the coming years driven by consumer needs, data center growth, increased AI use, and the industrial sector’s need for constant power” and “[s]mall modular reactors could provide reliable power for these energy-intensive sectors, with the added benefit of flexible deployment thanks to their compact and modular design.” 

2.5.25 – U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright issued a Secretarial Order titled “Unleashing the Golden Era of American Energy Dominance,” establishing the policy priorities of the Department of Energy (DOE). The order outlines key objectives, including expanding U.S. energy production and innovation, maintaining Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports, lowering consumer energy costs, and increasing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). It further emphasizes that these goals align with Executive Order 14154. 

1.21.25 – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published an announcement titled “U.S. Department of Energy Reverses Biden LNG Pause, Restores Trump Energy Dominance Agenda,” declaring the end of the pause on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports in accordance with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy.” The Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) has been directed to resume processing LNG export applications. Additionally, the public comment period on the DOE’s LNG export analysis has been extended to March 20, 2025.

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI)

4.9.25 – The U.S. Department of the Interior published an announcement titled “Interior Department Disburses Over $13 Million to Revitalize Coal Communities,” offering over $13 million in grants for projects focused on reclaiming abandoned mines. 

4.8.25 – The U.S. Department of the Interior published an announcement titled “The Department of the Interior Moves to Restore Coal Industry,” outlining several policy changes design to revitalize the coal sector. These actions include lifting the federal coal leasing moratorium, reopening coal leasing opportunities at mines in Montana and Wyoming, directing the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to revert the “Ten-Day Notice Rule” to its 2020 version, and reducing royalty rates for coal producers. 

3.20.25 – The U.S. Department of the Interior published an announcement titled “Interior Secretary Takes Steps to Unleash Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential,” opening up more land for energy development in the National Petroleum Reserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and eliminating land restrictions along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor. 

2.3.25 – The U.S. Department of the Interior released an announcement titled “Secretary Doug Burgum Signs First Round of Secretarial Orders to Unleash American Energy,” highlighting several Secretarial Orders that align DOI policies and goals with President Trump’s Executive Orders.

  • Secretarial Order 3417 – Addressing the National Energy Emergency directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to begin implementing Executive Order 14156 “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.” The order requires all DOI Bureaus and Offices to identify available legal and emergency authorities that could support energy production and infrastructure development, including on Federal lands and in the Outer Continental Shelf. The Department must develop and submit a plan within 15 days outlining how these authorities will be used.
  • Secretarial Order 3418 – Unleashing American Energy directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to begin implementing Executive Order 14154 “Unleashing American Energy.” The order requires the DOI to review all agency actions and submit an action plan within 15 days. This includes terminating actions from revoked Executive Orders, expediting energy development, revising leasing and resource policies, reviewing environmental regulations and funding disbursements.
  • Secretarial Order 3419 – Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost of Living Crisis directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to initiate the implementation of the related Presidential Memorandum. The order requires the DOI to review its programs and regulations, especially those related to energy and climate, to identify opportunities for cost reduction and job creation. DOI Bureaus and Offices must submit their findings and action plans within 15 days.
  • Secretarial Order 3420 – Announcing President Trump’s Revocation of Former Outer Continental Shelf Withdrawals notifies the Department of the Interior (DOI) that the oil and gas leasing restrictions in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) implemented during the Biden administration are now revoked, pursuant to Executive Order 14148 “Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions.”
  • Secretarial Order 3421 – Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation directs the Department of the Interior (DOI) to implement Executive Order 14192 “Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation.” The order requires DOI Bureaus and Offices to identify existing regulations for removal, with a goal of eliminating 10 regulations for every new one enacted, in line with the EO 14192’s guidelines.  

1.29.25 – Acting Interior Secretary Walter Cruickshank issued Secretarial Order 3415, titled “Temporary Suspension of Delegated Authority.” Effective January 29, 2025, and lasting for 60 days, this order temporarily suspends certain delegated powers and centralizes decision-making at the highest leadership level to approve certain actions, including publishing Federal Register notices related to agency decisions, such as NEPA-related actions, approving changes to land use plans under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), issuing final decisions on road easements (RS 2477), and authorizing new onshore or offshore renewable energy projects. The order does not affect existing operations under valid leases.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

1.28.25 – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a memorandum titled “Fixing the CAFE Program,” requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to review and revise all Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards established since 2022. The Secretary noted that previous standards were difficult for gas-powered vehicle manufacturers to meet, resulting in a shift toward electric vehicles. This review is in line with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” which seeks to end the so-called “electric vehicle mandate.”

2.6.25 – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHA) issued a memorandum titled “Suspending Approval of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans,” announcing the rescissions of all previous guidance on the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. While new guidance is being developed, all previously approved State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans are suspended and must be resubmitted once the updated guidance is finalized.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

3.12.25 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to reconsider several energy-related regulations to more effectively align with Executive Order 14153, “Unleashing American Energy.” Among the regulations set for review are: 

2.21.25 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an order allowing year-round E15 sales in eight Midwestern states–Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin–starting April 28, 2025, in response to requests from their governors. The EPA may grant a one-year compliance delay for states with concerns about transitioning to new fuel supply requirements. Ohio has already requested an extension, and the agency urges other states seeking a delay to submit their requests in writing by February 26, 2025. Additionally, the EPA announced future legislative effort in Congress to allow year-round E15 sales nationwide. If Congress does not act before the summer driving season, the EPA may issue emergency fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to temporarily allow nationwide E15 sales. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

3.31.25 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the release of $537 million through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to fund 543 biofuel projects in 29 states. The goal is to expand access to higher ethanol and biodiesel blends, support rural communities, increase demand for American-grown fuels, and advances President Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” Initiative.

3.25.25 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will release funding through three rural energy programs–Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Empowering Rural America (New ERA) and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs–with an option for recipients to revise their project plans within 30 days to align with President Trump’s “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order. According to the agency, [t]his process gives rural electric providers and small businesses the opportunity to refocus their projects on expanding American energy production while eliminating Biden-era DEIA and climate mandates embedded in previous proposals.”