15 States Sue Trump Over Energy Emergency Order

Washington and California are leading a coalition of 15 states in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington challenging President Donald Trump's Inauguration Day executive order declaring a 'national energy emergency.' The suit argues that the order unjustifiably invokes emergency powers to expedite fossil fuel projects by bypassing key environmental protections under laws such as the Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act. State officials and tribal representatives contend there is no genuine energy emergency and note that U.S. energy production is at an all-time high, asserting the order threatens sacred tribal sites and excludes renewables. The Trump administration defends the order as essential for national security and economic growth, citing presidential authority to declare emergencies. Critics warn that the move could undermine public health, cultural resources, and climate initiatives by weakening environmental reviews. The case could set a major precedent for presidential powers over energy and environmental policy.