Trump Declares National Energy Emergency, Targets EV Mandate

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump declared a “national energy emergency” on his first day in office, unveiling a series of executive actions aimed at boosting domestic fossil fuel production and rolling back environmental regulations, incoming White House officials announced.

The sweeping measures include eliminating the so-called “electric vehicle mandate,” a rule requiring automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half in new light- and medium-duty vehicles by 2027. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates this mandate would push automakers to produce electric vehicles for 30% to 56% of new light-duty vehicles and 20% to 32% of medium-duty vehicles by 2032.

By declaring a national energy emergency, Trump aims to prioritize increasing domestic oil and fossil fuel production. This move comes as U.S. crude oil production has already reached record highs over the past year.

Another executive order will reopen drilling in parts of Alaska, reversing restrictions imposed by the Biden administration. The specifics of the Alaska order remain unclear, but it signals a broader push to expand energy exploration.

Trump has vowed to overturn Biden-era environmental policies, though it is not yet clear if his Day 1 actions include direct efforts to dismantle those regulations. Additional measures focus on reducing regulatory burdens on the economy, though officials did not specify which regulations would be targeted.

In a bid to address inflation, Trump will also sign a presidential memorandum initiating an “all-of-government approach” to lower consumer prices, aligning with his campaign promises to reduce costs for Americans.

Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.