Trump Issues New Executive Order on Energy, Signaling Expanded Federal Action on Domestic Oil Infrastructure

President Donald Trump on Monday issued a sweeping presidential determination aimed at boosting domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity, marking a significant escalation of the national energy emergency he first identified in early 2025.

The memorandum, directed to Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, invokes Section 303 of the Defense Production Act (DPA) and authorizes broad federal support for oil-related infrastructure with a particular emphasis on the West Coast. The move is widely viewed as a precursor to further executive actions intended to strengthen U.S. energy independence and national security.

In the determination, Trump argued that the nation’s current energy system, particularly its petroleum supply chain, poses “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to the economy and defense readiness. He emphasized that oil remains essential to fueling the U.S. military, industrial base, and critical infrastructure. “Without immediate Federal action, United States defense capabilities will remain vulnerable to disruption,” the memorandum states.

The EO follows meetings CIPA advocates had with the White House, the Energy Department, and members of Congress the week prior encouraging the administration to examine the risks associated with California’s failed energy policy.

Expanded Federal Authority

The determination formally designates domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics, including pipelines, storage facilities, and marine terminals, as critical to national defense. It also asserts that private industry alone cannot scale these capabilities quickly enough due to financing constraints, permitting delays, infrastructure bottlenecks, and supply chain challenges.

To address these barriers, Trump authorized the Department of Energy to deploy a range of tools under the DPA, including direct purchases, financial commitments, and other support mechanisms to accelerate project development.

Notably, the president waived several statutory requirements typically required under Section 303, citing the previously declared national emergency. This waiver allows the administration to act more quickly in directing federal resources toward energy infrastructure projects.

Energy Secretary Wright is now tasked with implementing the determination, including issuing financial instruments and coordinating federal support. The directive also requires publication in the Federal Register.

Continuation of a Broader Energy Strategy

The new action builds on Executive Order 14156, signed on January 20, 2025, which declared a national energy emergency under the National Emergencies Act. That order directed federal agencies to use all available emergency authorities to accelerate domestic energy production across multiple sectors, including oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and critical minerals. The executive order notably excluded wind and solar energy from its definition of “energy resources,” instead prioritizing traditional and baseload energy sources.

Key provisions of the order included streamlined permitting under major environmental laws, potential use of eminent domain, and expanded fuel waivers such as year-round E15 gasoline sales. It also highlighted regional vulnerabilities, particularly in the Northeast, West Coast, and Alaska.

“More to Come”

The White House has not yet detailed specific projects or funding levels tied to the determination. Still, the language of the memo suggests a substantial federal role ahead. By framing petroleum infrastructure as essential to national defense, the administration has laid the groundwork for expedited investment and regulatory action.