Trump Administration Signs Executive Orders to Fast Track Energy Infrastructure Permitting

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Trump Administration is expected to sign two executive orders making significant revisions to how the government regulates the transportation of energy across state and international lines. These orders will shortcut necessary environmental review, limit the ability of states to have input in major infrastructure projects within their borders, and limit Clean Water Act protections.

This announcement places the natural resources at countless national parks throughout the country at risk by shortcutting processes designed to protect the people and places impacted by energy infrastructure projects.

Statement by Matt Kirby, Director of Energy and Landscape Conservation, at the National Parks Conservation Association

“Today’s announcement of two new Executive Orders aimed at speeding up the permitting of energy infrastructure, specifically pipelines to transport oil and natural gas, are just another example of the Trump administration putting industry interests ahead of public health, safety and the environment. Together, these two orders will shortcut necessary environmental review, limit the ability of states to have input in major infrastructure projects within their borders, and limit Clean Water Act protections. As the administration has done elsewhere in its quest for ‘energy dominance,’ they continue to curb the public’s ability to have a significant voice in energy projects that could affect national parks and nearby communities across the country. These decisions come at the expense of clean drinking water, clean air, and the continued protection of some of our most treasured park landscapes.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association: For 100 years, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org/100