Trump Planning To Fast Track What?

Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has prioritized hundreds of energy projects by adding them to an expedited approval process, aiming to fast-track critical infrastructure necessary for energy independence and security.

The Corps updated its website to list nearly 600 pending permits for around 350 projects, many of which are energy-related, following President Trump’s emergency energy declaration. These projects include oil and gas pipelines, coal and gas facilities, and even renewable energy projects like solar installations. A key project included on this list is the construction of a tunnel to facilitate the operation of the controversial Line 5 pipeline beneath Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, which is critical for the transportation of oil between Canada and the United States.

The emergency designation allows these projects to bypass the usual permitting process, which can be slow and burdened by excessive regulatory hurdles. The Army Corps defines an emergency as a situation where there is an immediate, significant risk to life, property, or economic stability. While the Corps did not confirm whether all projects under this declaration would receive expedited treatment, they have emphasized the importance of addressing urgent energy needs for the nation.

Despite the Corps’ assertion, environmental groups have raised concerns, arguing that this acceleration could lead to the bypassing of necessary environmental reviews. Critics argue that such fast-tracking could potentially harm critical wetlands, waterways, and local communities, claiming that the administration is exploiting the energy emergency designation to push through controversial projects with little oversight.

The Trump administration first declared a national energy emergency to safeguard U.S. energy independence, and this emergency authority gives federal agencies the power to streamline the approval process for critical energy infrastructure. This step is seen as a direct counter to the restrictive energy policies enacted under President Biden, which have limited oil and gas production on public lands while pushing for a shift toward renewable sources.

For many Republicans, this fast-tracking of energy projects is seen as essential for bolstering America’s energy security and reducing dependence on foreign oil, ensuring that the U.S. can maintain its position as a global energy powerhouse.