President Trump declared a “national energy emergency” as part of a suite of Day 1 executive orders and other actions Monday aimed at carrying out his long-promised “drill, baby, drill” agenda on American fossil fuels.
The orders include eliminating the so-called “electric vehicle mandate,” Trump’s phrase for a Environmental Protection Agency rule that required auto manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half in new light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning in 2027.
The EPA has estimated the rule would force auto manufacturers to build electric vehicles for about 30% to 56% of their new light-duty vehicles by 2032 and 20% to 32% of new medium duty vehicles.
Trump also signed an order withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Climate agreement, which former President Joe Biden had re-joined after his election four years ago.
“The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity,” Trump said during a ceremony at Capitol One Arena.