American Association of Blacks in Energy Responds to Trump Administration’s Energy Executive Orders and National Energy Emergency Declaration

February 4, 2025

Washington, D.C. - February 4th, 2025 — The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) acknowledges the Trump Administration’s commitment to enhancing energy affordability, national security, and boosting domestic production. The recent series of executive orders marks a shift in U.S. energy policy, and AABE supports efforts that prioritize the nation's energy independence and affordability.

President Trump’s executive orders on the first day of his administration, including the executive order entitled “Unleashing American Energy” focuses on increasing U.S. oil, gas, and natural resource development. This includes the acceleration of energy project permitting and the removal of bureaucratic barriers that can delay domestic development. We agree that energy production is vital in achieving long-term energy affordability and strengthening national security.

Additionally, the national energy emergency declaration is an important measure that could help boost domestic energy supply and ensure the nation’s energy security in times of global instability. AABE supports the idea of leveraging emergency authorities to enhance oil and gas production, especially in strategic areas.

However, while AABE agrees with the administration’s goals for energy affordability and security, we are deeply concerned about the exclusion of environmental justice from these policies. The rollback of key Biden-era executive orders—including Executive Orders 14008 ("Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad"), Executive Order 14096 ("Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All"), and Executive Order 14007 (establishing the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, which was amended by Executive Order 14044), removes critical safeguards for vulnerable communities that have historically been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. These orders were central to embedding environmental justice (EJ) into federal agency missions and addressing racial and environmental equity.

AABE believes that expanding domestic energy production should not come at the expense of vulnerable communities. Energy policies must balance energy security with environmental justice, ensuring all Americans have access to clean, affordable, and sustainable energy while protecting public health and safety. As the nation moves forward, AABE urges the administration to adopt an approach that addresses both energy needs and environmental equity for a more prosperous future.

About AABE
The American Association of Blacks in Energy is dedicated to promoting the equitable development of energy policies and advancing the voices of African Americans and other minorities in shaping a sustainable energy future.

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For more information, please contact:

Camille Moore

Senior Vice President, External Affairs & Public Policy

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE)

Phone: 202-713-0832, Email: externalaffairs@aabe.org

Contact:
Camille Moore
2027130832 Phone
cmoore@aabe.org

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