Interior Department Reduces Energy Project Approval Time to 28 Days

The Trump administration has enacted emergency permitting procedures that dramatically shorten approval times for energy and mining projects on federal lands from years to a maximum of 28 days, citing national energy security concerns. The new Interior Department policy applies to oil, gas, coal, uranium, geothermal, critical minerals, biofuels, and kinetic hydropower projects, but notably excludes wind and solar energy. Officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, argue that accelerating these permits will bolster domestic energy production, strengthen national security, and enhance U.S. economic competitiveness. Industry groups have long pushed for faster approvals, while environmental organizations and some legal experts warn that these changes may undermine necessary environmental reviews and face significant legal challenges. The administration plans to use alternative compliance methods for environmental laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act under emergency authorities. Critics from environmental and climate advocacy groups are already preparing to challenge the policy in court, arguing it risks sidelining environmental and public input protections.