Earthworks Statement on President Trump’s ‘Energy Emergency’ Executive Order

Statement by Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel:

“Earthworks strongly condemns President Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency. This unprecedented move seeks to expand fossil fuel production under the false pretext of addressing an ‘energy crisis,’ while ignoring the real emergency: the escalating impacts of climate change. Unlike President Carter’s 1977 response, which balanced energy needs with environmental protections, this declaration recklessly prioritizes fossil fuel extraction over public health and environmental justice. Vulnerable communities, particularly those of color-which —are disproportionately affected by fossil fuel pollution and climate impacts—will be the ones most impacted by this dangerous declaration.

 “By moving forward with this energy emergency and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, the Trump administration is jeopardizing our climate future and undermining global efforts to address climate change. The ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and across the West are just one example of how the climate crisis is already devastating communities and ecosystems. With record-high oil and gas production, this declaration is a gross misuse of executive power. True energy security lies in clean, renewable solutions—not more fossil fuels.”