Fifteen U.S. states have launched a legal challenge against former President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring a “national energy emergency” to accelerate fossil fuel project approvals. The coalition, led by Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown, filed a 61-page lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on Friday.
The complaint argues Trump’s June 2025 order violates the National Emergencies Act of 1976, which restricts presidential emergency powers to genuine crises. “This is a manufactured crisis,” Brown stated, noting U.S. energy production already exceeds domestic needs. The order directs federal agencies to fast-track oil, gas, and coal projects while sidelining renewable energy initiatives like wind and solar.
Legal experts highlight potential environmental consequences as the administration reportedly bypasses reviews under the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. “They’re using emergency procedures for ordinary permitting processes – it’s unprecedented,” said Brown during a Seattle press conference.
The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the order and block expedited permits. Participating states include California, Arizona, and Michigan. Analysts suggest the case could shape America’s energy transition debates heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
