On January 21st, 2025, the second Trump administration took power, issuing harmful and Congressionally illegal executive orders, harming communities across Turtle Island, with additional layers of injury for Tribal Nations and People. The federal government is waging a war on Tribal sovereignty, rights, and people–from sweeping budget cuts to the silent removal of our history on government websites.
In an attempt to document each damaging federal action, we created a timeline of known federal actions that directly or indirectly affect Tribal Nations, land, energy sovereignty, and cultural and historical protection. Read through our list of federal actions impacting Tribal energy, land, and culture.
Disclaimer
We recognize the pain inflicted by the American government long before this Trump presidency, and how every single action does impact Tribal Nations. Additionally, we recognize that many actions have an explicit impact on Tribal Nations beyond land, energy, and cultural and historical protection. However, actions taken before this Trump administration and those executed outside the realm of Tribal land, energy, cultural and historical protection are outside the scope of this tracker.
Additionally, this is Version 1 of the tracker. We plan to add more actions that we may have missed, a detailed overview on how each action impacts Tribes, and all the new federal actions as they arise. This current tracker pulls overviews from news articles, the Climate Action Campaign Climate and Clean Energy Rollback Tracker, and press releases for each federal action. These are not our own thoughts, simply a list of actions with provided overviews.
Finally, this version of the tracker works best on web browser and is not fully supported on mobile view. We will be fixing this for version 2.
Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity
Executive Order
Rescinded E.O. 12898, Federal Actions To Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations
January 20
Temporary Pause of Agency Grant, Loan, and Other Financial Assistance Programs (Now Rescinded)
Federal Memorandum
A January 27, 2025 memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) required "Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements," and to suspend distribution of this funding while the review was underway. The funding pause was set to go into effect on January 28, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern, but OMB rescinded the memo on January 29.
January 22
Memorandum: Ending Illegal DEI and DEIA Discrimination and Preferences
Federal Memorandum
Begin civil and criminal investigations of NGOs and other private companies engaged in "illegal" DEI work.
February 3
SOI Order: Achieving Prosperity through Deregulation
Secretary Order
Pursuant to this Order, all relevant Bureaus and Offices are notified that, for each new regulation that they propose to promulgate, they shall identify at least 10 existing Department regulations to be eliminated, and that the agency shall offset the total incremental cost of any new regulations, to the extent permitted by law, by the elimination of existing costs associated with at least 10 existing Departmental regulations. All Assistant Secretaries shall begin identifying and proposing existing regulations for potential elimination in anticipation that they plan to issue any new regulations, consistent with implementation guidance from the Director of the Office of Management Budget. The Bureau and Office Heads are responsible for communicating the contents of this Order to their staff and instructing their staff to follow this direction and to begin updating, as necessary, the relevant policies to reflect this change.
February 6
Council for Environmental Quality Memorandum
Federal Memorandum
Tells federal agencies to ignore:
Environmental justice
Cumulative impacts
Public comment (unless legally required)
Circumvents accountability required by the Administrative Procedure Act's public notice and rules
Undermines Tribal consultation, early engagement, and Indigenous sovereignty
February 14
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin Cancels 400+ Grants in 4th Round of Cuts with DOGE
Federal Action
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of 400 environmental justice-related grants, in violation of a court order barring the Trump administration from freezing "equity-based" grants and contracts.
February 25
Executive Order
This executive order puts forth a federal energy policy agenda that seeks to establish American energy dominance through a combination of new policy actions, as well as rescinding several executive orders from the Carter and Biden Administrations. These actions seek to support traditional energy exploration and production, reassess regulations that might hinder energy and economic development, revise the permitting process to fast-track traditional energy projects, promote domestic mining and processing of non-fuel minerals (including rare earth minerals), ensure adherence to legislation as it was written, and pause disbursement of funds made available under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rescinds multiple climate/EJ directives that Tribes relied on in permitting.
March 12
Declaring a National Energy Emergency
Executive Order
This executive order declares a national energy emergency and seeks to address this emergency by expediting energy and infrastructure projects; facilitating the supply, refinement and transportation of energy; and assessing vulnerabilities in the domestic energy sector. It aims to utilize domestic energy resources and international alliances to create more jobs, improve the energy trade balance and safeguard the U.S. against potential threats. Within this order, the term "energy resources" includes crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, hydropower and critical minerals, but neither solar nor wind resources are included.
Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship
Executive Order
Trump issued an executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship, but a federal judge blocked the order temporarily shortly after 22 states quickly mounted a legal challenge. In court, the Justice Department used the 1884 case of Elk v. Wilkins as a legal analogy to justify Trump's executive order. Arguing that "birth in the United States does not by itself entitle a person to citizenship, the person must also be 'subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States," it said the case found members of tribes "are not 'subject to the jurisdiction' of the United States and are not constitutionally entitled to citizenship.”
Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential
Executive Order
This executive order facilitates the development and production of natural resources on federal and state lands in Alaska, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and prioritizes the development of liquified natural gas (LNG) and its transport from Alaska to other regions of the U.S. While virtually all of its actions focus on the development of oil, gas, critical mineral and timber resources in Alaska, the order also requires the secretary of the interior to "review all Interior guidance regarding the taking of … land into trust" for the benefit of Alaska Natives and "all Public Land Orders withdrawing lands for selection of Alaska Native Corporations to determine if any such agency action should be revoked" as inconsistent with the Alaska Statehood Act and other federal statutes that specifically apply to Alaska. The order also directs the interior secretary to deny a request pending before the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish an Indigenous sacred site in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, rescind the National Park Service's final rule entitled "Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves" (July 3, 2024), and review the framework of hunting, fishing and subsistence rights in Alaska.
Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing
Executive Order
This executive order eliminates any and all "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" programs throughout the federal government. The termination includes "Chief Diversity Officers," "Equity Action Plans," "environmental justice" offices, equity-related grants/contracts, as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) performance requirements. The removal of these programs will be carried out by the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), with assistance from the attorney general and the director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Each agency, department or commission head will complete these actions within 60 days (by March 21, 2025). This order seeks to increase public relations between the federal government and the American people by cutting programs deemed wasteful and discriminatory.
Executive Order
This executive order temporarily halts all offshore wind energy leasing within the Offshore Continental Shelf (OCS). It aims to address concerns related to marine life, ocean currents, wind patterns, energy costs and the fishing industry by directing a full review of existing federal leasing and permitting practices for both onshore and offshore wind projects. Federal agencies are instructed to pause issuing new or renewed approvals, permits, leases or loans for wind projects.
Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
Executive Action
Freezes in-progress climate, clean air, and consumer protections.
Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
Executive Order
This executive order revokes 78 actions and orders rolled out during the Biden Administration, intending to repair institutions and improve the economy under the policy plans of the Trump Administration.
Government webpages vanish under Trump, from DEI to climate change
Federal Action
Mentions of climate change have been removed from federal websites such the Department of Agriculture, which includes the Forest Service and climate-smart agriculture programs, and the EPA. The move appears to be part of a broader effort to remove content and pages on issues such as climate change, gun violence, accessibility, reproductive rights, and more.
January 21
SO 3418: Unleashing American Energy
Secretary Order
After Trump’s "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, Interior Secretary Burgum ordered the reinstatement of fossil fuel leases, opened more land for drilling, and issued orders weakening protections of public lands, national monuments and endangered species, and overturned advanced clean energy and climate mitigation strategies.
January 27
Suspending Approval of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans
Federal Memorandum
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) informed state transportation directors that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program will be under review. The agency said existing contracts will be honored — suggesting some ongoing projects will still receive funding — but that "no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program" effective immediately.
February 5
Federal Action
The Trump administration’s relentless assault on science and career expertise at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued today with the firing of almost 400 staff who had ‘probationary’ status.
February 8
Federal Rule
Strips away NEPA and CEQ’s regulations that protect our environment and communities.
Says CEQ doesn’t have the power to create rules regarding NEPA.
Aims to allow agencies to ignore environmental justice and cumulative impacts.
Only gave 30 days for public comment—but made it law two weeks later, violating federal law (5 USC § 553(d)) meant to protect the public.
February 19
Federal Memorandum
According to a leaked memo, the EPA’s compliance office has halted enforcement of pollution regulations on energy facilities and barred consideration of environmental justice concerns. The memo states: "Enforcement and compliance assurance actions shall not shut down any stage of energy production (from exploration to distribution) or power generation absent an imminent and substantial threat to human health or an express statutory or regulatory requirement to the contrary.” And, the EPA is ending its policy of broadly considering Environmental Justice in pursuing enforcement matters.
March 10
Administrator Zeldin Announces 31 Historic Actions to Power the Great American Comeback
Federal Memorandum
Unleashing American Energy
Reconsideration of regulations on power plants (Clean Power Plan 2.0)
Reconsideration of regulations throttling the oil and gas industry (OOOO b/c)
Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families
Overhauling Biden-Harris Administration's "Social Cost of Carbon"
Terminating Biden's Environmental Justice and DEI arms of the agency (EJ/DEI)
Lowering the Cost of Living for American Families Advancing Cooperative Federalism
Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
Executive Order
This executive order rescinds 18 executive orders (EOs) issued during the Biden Administration and continues President Trump's efforts to reverse presidential actions deemed harmful to U.S. interests. Rescinded EOs discussed the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, environmentally sustainable defense practices, defense acquisition processes, labor standards for federal employees and Tribal policy.
March 14
Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid
Executive Order
This executive order calls to utilize all available power generation sources to address the increased demand for electricity, existing capacity challenges and the national emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order 14156 of Jan. 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency). During periods when the relevant grid operator forecasts a temporary interruption of electricity supply is necessary to prevent a complete grid failure, the secretary of energy will streamline, systemize and expedite the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) processes for issuing orders under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.
April 1
Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
Executive Order
This executive order aims to reduce reliance on foreign nations for critical minerals, enhancing national security and creating jobs. The order directs federal agencies to expedite the permitting process for mineral projects, prioritize mineral production on federal lands and use the Defense Production Act.
Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241
Executive Order
This executive order directs several secretaries and agencies to revitalize the U.S. coal industry by revoking federal regulations and limits on coal production and coal-fired electricity generation, identifying coal resources on federal lands, and negotiating export agreements with foreign entities. The order cites increased electricity demand caused by recent boosts in domestic manufacturing and the establishment of artificial intelligence data processing centers as justifications for the order. Furthermore, EO 14241, "Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production," will be modified to classify coal as a mineral.
Protecting American Energy from State Overreach
Executive Order
This executive order directs the U.S. attorney general to identify and stop all unconstitutional state and local laws that burden the identification, development, siting, production, or use of domestic energy resources. This includes state laws purporting to address climate change or involving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, environmental justice, carbon or greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and funds to collect carbon penalties or carbon taxes.
Federal Rule
Ended the government’s legal defense of a rule requiring companies to identify the impact of their business on climate in regulatory findings. The rule was challenged in court by 19 Republican state attorneys general and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright’s Liberty Energy, among others.
April 8
April 9
Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy
Executive Order
This executive order aims to reduce regulations in the energy sector in order to promote innovation and economic growth. The order directs certain federal agencies to implement sunset provisions for their regulations governing energy production, thus compelling those agencies to periodically reexamine their regulations and ensure they serve the public good. Seeks to preempt state limits on energy infrastructure; can ease siting of pipelines/lines that cross or affect Tribal lands.
Reducing Anti-Competitive Regulatory Barriers
Executive Order
This executive order aims to eliminate federal regulations that hinder market competition and innovation. The order directs federal agencies to review and identify regulations that create monopolies, unnecessarily obstruct new market entrants, or impose undue licensure requirements limiting competition.
Directing the Repeal of Unlawful Regulations
Presidential Memorandum
The memorandum accurately recognizes that a federal agency may use an expedited approach under the Administrative Procedure Act if it has “good cause” to find that the usual process would be “impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest.”
BLM approves lithium exploration project in Clayton Valley
Federal Action
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management approved a lithium exploration project near Wikieup, Arizona, despite not properly evaluating the project’s potential impacts on the local aquifer that feeds a nearby spring that is sacred to the Tribe.
Executive Order
This executive order plans on securing the supply of process critical minerals. An investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 states that "domestic production for national defense" and "impacts of foreign competition" on economic welfare of domestic industries is necessary to determine whether import of processed critical minerals and their derivative products threaten to impair national security. The secretary of commerce shall initiate the investigation under Section 232 assessing the factors set forth, along with other factors.
April 15
May 9
Federal Rule
Proposals by the Department of Energy (DOE) to revoke existing energy or water efficiency standards for more than a dozen types of appliances and equipment would sanction products that use multiple times the energy use of today’s, bringing dramatically increased costs for households and businesses. The proposals could significantly increase the operating costs of products ranging from dehumidifiers and portable air conditioners to air compressors used in industry. But the plan clearly violates the law and court precedent.
Fighting Overcriminalization of Federal Regulations
Executive Order
This executive order discourages criminal enforcement of regulatory offenses, prioritizing prosecutions only for those who knowingly violate regulations and cause significant harm. Strict liability offenses, which don't require proof of bad intent, are generally disfavored. The order requires each agency, in consultation with the U.S. attorney general, to provide to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a list of all enforceable criminal regulatory offenses, the range of potential criminal penalties and applicable state of mind required for liability. Agencies must post these reports publicly and update them annually.
Guidance Implementing Section 6 of Executive Order 14154
Executive Order
In a memo issued by Jeffrey Clark, acting administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), the White House directed federal agencies to stop using the social cost of carbon dioxide and other climate pollutants in decision-making and regulations. The social cost of carbon calculates the amount, in dollars, of damage caused by one ton of carbon pollution, so as to more accurately assess the costs or benefits of federal policies.
May 12
May 19
Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
Executive Order
This executive order seeks to establish a program of record for the utilization of nuclear energy for installation and operational energy. The U.S. Department of Defense secretary shall operate a nuclear reactor at a domestic military base or installation no later than Sept. 30, 2028. The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary shall start designating artificial intelligence (AI) data centers within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia to operate as critical defense facilities and support national security missions, which will operate for the purpose of powering AI infrastructure, critical or national security needs, supply chain items, or on-site infrastructure. The Energy Secretary shall also identify all useful uranium and plutonium material within the Department's inventories that could be recycled or processed into nuclear fuel for reactors. After identifying the useful uranium, the Energy Secretary shall release not less than 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium for any private sector project that is related to powering AI or other infrastructure at the department. The Energy Secretary shall retain fuel that is necessary for tritium production, naval propulsion, and nuclear weapons in a stockpile. The U.S. Department of State Secretary's designee shall aggressively review and renegotiate agreements with other countries to promote the U.S. nuclear industry. The U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary shall leverage U.S. participation in the multilateral development banks to promote the generation and distribution of U.S. nuclear energy.
USDA changes energy program to discourage solar
Federal Action
In a memo issued by Jeffrey Clark, acting administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), the White House directed federal agencies to stop using the social cost of carbon dioxide and other climate pollutants in decision-making and regulations. The social cost of carbon calculates the amount, in dollars, of damage caused by one ton of carbon pollution, so as to more accurately assess the costs or benefits of federal policies.
Executive Order 14301—Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
Executive Order
Directs the Department of Energy to streamline and expand its authority over nuclear reactor testing, rather than relying on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and to reform NEPA to expedite review and deployment. It also establishes a pilot program requiring DOE to authorize three non-lab reactors to achieve criticality by July 2026.
May 23
May 19
Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, 145 S. Ct. 1497 (2025)
Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court explained that part of that problem had been caused by decisions of lower courts, which it rejected, issuing a “course correction” mandating that courts give “substantial deference” to reasonable agency conclusions underlying that agency's NEPA process. Id. at 1513-14. The Court also acknowledged, and through its course correction sought to address, the effect judicial “micromanage[ment]” has had on “litigation-averse agencies” which have been “tak[ing] ever more time and . . . [prepar[ing] ever longer EISs [environmental impact statements] for future projects.” Id. at 1513
Federal Action
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is withdrawing its interim guidance titled “National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change,” for which notice was published in the Federal Register on January 9, 2023.
May 29
June 3
Interior Slashes Outdated Energy Regulations to Boost Economic Growth on Public Lands
Federal Action
Rescinded regulations include:
43 CFR 3823.1 regarding prospecting within national forest wilderness for the purpose of gathering information about mineral resources.
43 CFR 3814.2(a) regarding disposal of reserved minerals under the Stock-Raising Homestead Act.
43 CFR 3823.2 regarding mineral locations within national forest wilderness.
43 CFR 3737.1 regarding mining claim and millsite use for purposes other than mining and milling.
43 CFR 3830.23(a)(5) regarding authorized debit payments for mining claims from a declining deposit account held with the BLM.
43 CFR 3835.31(d)(2) regarding filing of annual Federal Land Policy and Management Act documents for oil shale placer claims.
43 CFR 3200.7(b) & (c) regarding regulations applicable to geothermal leases issued before Aug. 8, 2005; and 43 CFR 3200.8(b)(2) regarding regulations applicable to geothermal leases pending on Aug. 8, 2005.
43 CFR 3203.5(b)(1) regarding obtaining a competitive geothermal lease; 43 CFR 3204.5(d) regarding obtaining a noncompetitive geothermal lease; and 43 CFR 3204.13 regarding processing of noncompetitive geothermal lease applications pending on Aug. 8, 2005.
43 CFR 3212.18 thru 3212.24 regarding production incentives for geothermal leases
43 CFR 3503.37(f) regarding hardrock mineral acreage limits for permits and leases; and 43 CFR Part 3500 Subpart 3517 regarding hardrock mineral development contracts and processing and milling arrangements.
43 CFR 3212.26 regarding how to submit a request to modify the royalty rate terms of a geothermal lease; and 43 CFR 3212.27 regarding how those requests would be reviewed.
43 CFR 3261.17(b) regarding amendment of approved geothermal lease operation plans or drilling permits.
43 CFR Part 1850 regarding public lands hearings procedures.
43 CFR Part 3730 Subpart 3738 regarding mining in powersite withdrawal surface protection requirements.
43 CFR 3821.3 regarding requirements for filing a statement of assessment work for unpatented mining claims, mill sites, or tunnel sites on O&C Lands.
43 CFR 3809.400(b) & (c) regarding applicability of surface management plans of operations of mining claims under the general mining laws.
43 CFR 3834.11(b) regarding annual fees for oil shale placer mining claims.
43 CFR 3715.4 regarding the management of the use and occupancy of the public lands under the United States mining laws by limiting y to prospecting, mining or processing operations.
Greenhouse Gas Standards and Guidelines for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants Rule Proposal
Federal Rule
EPA is proposing to repeal the most burdensome set of requirements issued for new and existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units—specifically, the emission guidelines for existing power plants, and carbon capture and sequestration/storage-based requirements for new combustion turbines and modified coal plants. As part of this alternative proposal, EPA is taking comment on the efficiency-based requirements for new natural gas power plant requirements.
Uranium Mining Permitting Fast-tracked
Federal Action
As the Trump administration accelerates its energy security agenda, more US uranium projects are receiving special designations.
June 12
Mercury and Air Toxics Standards Rule Proposal
Federal Rule
EPA is also proposing to repeal certain amendments issued on May 7, 2024, to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units – a rule commonly known as the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for power plants, or simply MATS. This proposal would revert back to 2012 standards that have driven sharp reductions in harmful air toxic pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants.
June 11
Interior Department explores potential for seabed mineral leasing offshore American Samoa
Federal Action
The Department of Interior announced a request for information and interest related to leasing the federal waters around American Samoa for mineral exploration and extraction. Opening federal waters to mineral leasing has damaging effects on critical ocean ecosystems, and can be incredibly destructive to the communities who are reliant on those ecosystems.
Interior Proposes to Rescind Overreaching 2024 Rule on Coal Mining Oversight
Federal Rule
The Department of Interior announced its proposal to remove coal mining oversight standards implemented in 2024. Weakening coal mining standards is a dangerous move for the communities near coal mines.
June 16
June 17
USDA cuts Environmental Justice and DEI funding
Federal Action
Secretary Rollins of the USDA announced the termination of $148.6 million in federal grants related to environmental justice and DEI, including critical funds for disadvantaged farmers using conservation practices. Cutting this type of funding further entrenches existing inequalities within the agricultural sector and limits the ability for farmers to effectively address climate and other environmental issues.
Interior Department weakens search and development standards for offshore mineral extraction
Federal Action
The Department of Interior announced a new policy which undermines environmental reviews and extends permit lengths, among other actions, reducing environmental protections and giving polluters more time to pollute without oversight.
June 25
June 30
Federal Regulations
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies on Monday revoked regulations governing their handling of environmental reviews of proposed projects under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Federal agencies revoking their NEPA regulations include the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, the Department of Interior, the Department of Transportation and FERC.
Some agencies proposed new regulations to replace the old ones while others replaced the rules with nonbinding guidance, according to Earthjustice. “In all cases, the regulations significantly weaken the implementation of the statute by cutting the public out of NEPA reviews and eliminating all references to consider climate change, environmental justice, and other crucial environmental issues,” the environmental advocacy group said Monday.
Federal Action
Data centers will not need an environmental review, which includes cultural protection consideration.
July 1
July 3
Establishing the President’s Make America Beautiful Again Commission
Executive Order
This executive order announces the Trump Administration's prioritization of responsible conservation and restoration of America's lands and waters. All federal land management agencies shall ensure that their policies promote responsible stewardship of natural resources while driving economic growth; expand access to public lands and waters for recreation, hunting and fishing; encourage responsible, voluntary conservation efforts; cut bureaucratic delays that hinder effective environmental management; and recover fish and wildlife populations through proactive, voluntary and collaborative conservation efforts. This order also establishes the Make America Beautiful Again Commission that shall advise the president on how best to conserve America's national parks and natural resources.
National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
Federal Rule
The Department of the Interior (Department or DOI) is partially rescinding and making necessary targeted updates to its remaining regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which were promulgated to “supplement” now-rescinded Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA implementing regulations. Mindful that the Supreme Court recently clarified NEPA is a “purely procedural statute,” DOI will henceforth maintain the remainder of its NEPA procedures—which apply only to DOI's internal processes—in a Handbook separate from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This interim final rule requests comments on this action and related matters to inform DOI's decision-making. DOI, thus, is issuing this IFR to streamline its NEPA process in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision and changes to the underlying statute. This revision has thus been called for, authorized, and directed by all three branches of government at the highest possible levels.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1
Congressional Act
The Silver Lining - Radioactive Exposure Compensation Act Renewal and Expansion
The bill allocated $50 billion a year to compensate people with cancer and other illnesses due to radiation exposure, with payments up to $100,000 per person
New Mexicans living downwind or close to radioactive sites–like those near uranium mining superfund, Trinity, and Church Rock sites–will be able to take advantage of the federal reparations
This provision revived the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, implemented in 1990 and expired in 2024
The Okay
Expands rural energy programs
Threats to direct pay were not included in the final bill, for now protecting that vital policy that allows Tribes to recieve tax refunds despite being a nontaxable entity
Permanent extension of the New Markets Tax Credit – Section 70423. Tribes have utilized NMTCs for private investment in community development, economic development, and infrastructure projects
Permanent renewal and enhancement of economic Opportunity Zones – Section 70421. Opportunity zone designations help generate outside investment, increasing economic growth and job creation in Tribal economies
The Bad
Cuts to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including:
Eliminates Tribal energy loans and a low-emissions electricity program to help states, Tribes, and municipalities lower electricity use and emissions
Repeals weather resilience, energy efficiency, emissions-free school buses, clean car purchases, and improved air quality incentives for local governments and individuals in 2026
Threatens nearly a million clean energy jobs
Removes grants for states, municipalities, and Tribes to make and implement emissions-reduction plans
Extends tax benefits from Trump’s 2017 tax law for the oil and gas industry
Rescinds all funding for methane monitoring and mitigation
Decreases the amount the public receives in royalties from oil and gas leasing on public land
Clean energy projects can only claim remaining tax credits if a “substantial portion” is built during the tax year. Solar and wind projects must be in service by the end of 2027 to qualify for tax credits, a far more aggressive timeline than under the IRA
The Very Awful
Eliminates remaining IRA funding for the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and multiple DOE grant programs for transmission deployment and siting
Establishes minimum oil and gas sales and leasing on public lands and waters
Imposes new rents and fees on wind and solar projects on federal land
Ends hundreds of billions of dollars of federal subsidies for clean electricity production and tax credits that are critical to the economic viability of clean energy projects
Allows companies to pay a fee to guarantee a fast-tracked NEPA environmental assessment and public comment period
Opens and requires oil and gas drilling in the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
July 4
July 7
Ending Market Distorting Subsidies for Unreliable, Foreign‑Controlled Energy Sources
Executive Order
This executive order repeals wind, solar and other "green" energy tax credits in the megabill. The U.S. Department of the Treasury secretary shall terminate clean electricity production and investment tax credits for wind and solar facilities. The U.S. Department of the Interior secretary shall also review regulations, guidance, policies and practices to identify and eliminate preferential treatment for wind and solar facilities over dispatchable energy sources.
DOI Wind and Solar Review Policy
Federal Memorandum
A new Department of Interior policy requiring personal approval from Secretary Doug Burgum for all solar and wind projects threatens to create a bureaucratic bottleneck that could kill tribal renewable energy developments already racing to meet shortened federal tax credit deadlines.
July 15
July 17
Regulatory Relief for Certain Stationary Sources to Further Promote American Energy
Presidential Action
This proclamation establishes exemptions for certain stationary sources for a period of two years to the EPA's rule titled "National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Coal- and Oil-Fired Electric Utility Steam Generating Units Review of the Residual Risk and Technology Review." The proclamation issues the exemption because the rule requires compliance with standards that do not exist in a commercially viable form, and its compliance timeline risks the shutdown of many coal-fired power plants. During the two-year period of the exemption, the stationary sources are still subject to the compliance obligations they are currently subject to under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule.
Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government
Executive Order
This executive order aims to promote the innovation and use of trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) by removing ideological biases and social agendas built into AI models. Agency heads are directed to procure large language models (LLMs) that are developed in accordance with two unbiased AI principles: truth-seeking and ideological neutrality. These principles emphasize that LLMs should provide truthful responses, prioritize historical accuracy and objectivity, maintain neutrality and nonpartisanship, and avoid manipulating responses in favor of "ideological dogmas such as DEI." The order also asserts that developers should not intentionally encode partisan or ideological judgments into an LLMs output, unless they are prompted by the user.
Accelerating Federal Permitting of Data Center Infrastructure
Executive Order
This executive order aims to accelerate AI data centers and power infrastructure. It focuses on "qualifying projects" that provide over 100 megawatts (MW) of power directed at AI-related facilities, require at least $500 million in capital investments, protect national security or those otherwise designated by the U.S. Departments of Defense (DOD), the Interior, Commerce or Energy secretaries as qualifying. The order works to encourage qualifying projects via financial support initiatives, headed by the Commerce secretary and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) director, including loans, loan guarantees, grants, tax incentives and offtake agreements. It also streamlines environmental reviews, allows for listing of projects on the Permitting Dashboard established under Section 41003(b) of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) and streamlines the permitting review process via the EPA for qualifying projects. The order also calls for the prioritization of federal land use for new projects. Finally, the order revokes previous EO 14141 that imposed certain climate and diversity-related requirements for new AI infrastructure projects.
July 23
July 29
Proposed Rule: Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standards
Federal Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and repeal all greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines established under Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 202(a) since 2010.
SO 3438 - Managing Federal Energy Resources and Protecting the Environment
Secretary Order
On August 1, the Interior issued a new "project density" policy requiring wind and solar energy projects on federal land to match the energy output per acre of fossil fuels. This in turn disqualifies many renewable projects from recieving permits.
August 1
August 11
EPA uses AI to assess whether earmarked projects meet Trump priorities
Federal Action
The AI tool is being asked to identify grant proposals that contain hot-button phrases like “clean energy industries” and “climate crisis.”
NNSA Environmental Review of the Caja Del Rio EPCU Project
Environmental Review
After a long environmental review process and overwhelming public opposition, the National Nuclear Security Administration has given its green light to move forward with a controversial transmission power line project on the Caja del Rio plateau, a sacred landscape to Tribes and Pueblos.
DOE: Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program
Federal Program
DOE announced the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025, following President Trump’s Executive Order 14301, which reforms reactor testing at the Department. The goal of the Reactor Pilot Program is to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs that will be authorized by the Department at sites that are located outside of the national laboratories. Seeking DOE authorization provided under the Atomic Energy Act will help today’s selected companies— Aalo Atomics Inc., Antares Nuclear Inc., Atomic Alchemy Inc., Deep Fission Inc., Last Energy Inc., Oklo Inc., Natura Resources LLC, Radiant Industries Inc., Terrestrial Energy Inc., and Valar Atomics Inc.— unlock private funding and provide a fast-tracked approach to future commercial licensing activities.
Federal Program
The EPA has agreed to the Energy Department's request to dig out two new underground areas to store nuclear waste at the only permanent U.S. burial site for radioactive materials.
Why it matters: Critics of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) say the approval represents a significant expansion of the southeastern New Mexico facility, which they say was only intended to dispose of wastes for several decades before closing permanently.
August 12
August 13
Energy Department Announces Actions to Secure American Critical Minerals and Materials Supply Chain
Federal Action
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its intent to issue notices of funding opportunities (NOFO) totaling nearly $1 billion to advance and scale mining, processing, and manufacturing technologies across key stages of the critical minerals and materials supply chains. The funding announcements, issued in accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy, will help ensure a more secure, predictable, and affordable supply of critical minerals and materials that are foundational to American energy dominance, national security, and industrial competitiveness.
August 7
Federal Action
The agency said it will end the Solar For All program, which allocated $7 billion to 63 grant recipients for use in financing and developing solar projects. Six tribal-focused organizations received $504 million in Solar for All funding when the program launched in April 2024.
Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
Executive Order
For Federal Grants involving Tribes, this EO could impact funding processes and award criteria. Tribal grants would now be subject to the same enhanced oversight requirements, including review by senior political appointees who must ensure awards advance "agency priorities and the national interest." The order's prohibition on funding activities that "promote anti-American values" or support what it characterizes as problematic ideologies could affect climate adaptation and mitigation, Environmental Protection, cultural preservation, education, public health, social programs, etc.
August 8
Tax Guidance following the passage of H.R. 1
Federal Guidelines
Tribal renewable energy projects face a new deadline: spend millions of dollars on construction by early September or lose federal tax credits that can cover up to 70% of project costs. New guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service on Friday has eliminated a key option that allowed tribes to qualify for the credits by spending just 5% of a project’s cost by Sept. 2. Now, larger projects must begin physical construction to remain eligible. Projects that face uncontrollable delays — such as, say, waiting on Bureau of Indian Affairs approvals — may have more time to complete their work. Projects that miss the short-term safe harbor window will have until July 5, 2026, to meet the physical work test.
August 15
August 19
U.S. Department of Agriculture will discontinue providing funds for solar and wind projects
Federal Guidelines
U.S. Department of Agriculture will discontinue providing funds for solar and wind projects, ending the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for solar projects.
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