Following the Trump Administration’s “drill, baby, drill” agenda and National Energy Emergency declaration, the Department of the Interior announced it will enact “emergency permitting procedures”to reduce time periods for environmental reviews.

Environmental assessments typically take a year to complete. According to the Department of the Interior, these reviews will now be performed in about two weeks. Additionally, environmental impact statements – a more rigorous review process – which typically take up to two years when conducted diligently, will now take about 28 days.

The Interior department will utilize emergency authorities under the following regulations: National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

Projects that will be affected include crude oil, natural gas, coal, biofuels, refined petroleum products, natural gas liquids, uranium,geothermal energy, kinetic hydropower, and critical minerals.

Environmental groups are fighting the changes,arguing they shortchange protections for public health and clean air and water.