Earthjustice Responds to Trump Minerals Executive Order

President Trump signed an executive order today invoking emergency powers to increase domestic mining and processing of minerals,including those by foreign owned mining companies. It covers critical minerals, copper, gold, and others as determined by the Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council. The executive order aims to provide funding and loans for projects as well as accelerate permitting processes under the guise of the Defense Production Act.

In response to today’s order, Earthjustice Senior Legislative Representative Blaine Miller-McFeeley said:

“This executive order is yet another effort to sell out the American people and our public lands to industrial polluters. Mining operations on public lands already operate under a sweetheart deal, and today’s order will make it even easier for mines to sidestep environmental reviews and harm vulnerable communities, lands, and critical water sources. If the Trump administration wants to truly create sustainable and secure mineral supply chains, it should incorporate strong due diligence and environmental standards into federal law and regulations while actively engaging in upfront consultation with impacted communities. More of the same handouts to a mining industry that the Environmental Protection Agency says is the most toxic industry in America without reform only perpetuates a broken status quo.”