Trump signs minerals order, confirms Ukraine deal

Energy & Environment

The Big Story

Trump signs minerals order, confirms Ukraine deal

President Trump signed an executive order intended to boost production of minerals in the U.S. and confirmed a deal to gain access to minerals in Ukraine was still on track.

Trump signed the order behind closed doors at the White House on Thursday. A spokesperson said the order would streamline permitting to allow for increased mining of the minerals, which include copper, potash and gold.

The order invokes wartime powers under the Defense Production Act to expand domestic U.S. mining production, according to information shared by a White House official.

In addition, the efforts to increase mineral production may end up including coal, if Interior Secretary Doug Burgum decides that the fossil fuel should fall under the definition of “minerals.”

“It’s a big thing in this country. And as you know we’re also signing agreements in various locations to unlock rare earths and minerals and lots of other things all over the world. But in particular Ukraine,” Trump said at an event where he signed a measure aimed at dismantling the Department of Education.

“One of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with Ukraine with respect to rare earth,” Trump added.

Meanwhile, the minerals executive order takes additional steps to bolster mining, according to the White House.

It includes allowing approvals for more mining projects to be fast-tracked, directing the Interior Department to prioritize mining over other uses of federal lands and developing financing methods, including the creation of a new fund through the United States International Development Finance Corporation.

Welcome to The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains.

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here.

Essential Reads

How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future:

Trump administration takes steps to expand Arctic drilling, including in contentious wildlife refuge

The Trump administration formally announced Thursday that it planned to expand drilling in the Arctic, including in the contentious Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Full Story

Duffy provides 30-day New York City congestion pricing extension, puts Hochul ‘on notice’

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the administration was giving New York City a 30-day extension for its congestion pricing plan and putting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) “on notice.”

Full Story

Court finds Greenpeace liable in case over Dakota Access Pipeline

A court in North Dakota has found Greenpeace liable for hundreds of millions of dollars over actions to combat the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Full Story

In Other News

Branch out with a different read from The Hill:

Michigan Republican presses Chavez-DeRemer to rescind Biden-era labor regulations

House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is pressing Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to rescind several former President Biden-era labor regulations.

Full Story

What We're Reading

News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics:

Trump Considers Extending Chevron License to Pump Oil in Venezuela (The Wall Street Journal)
Inside the U.S. Geological Survey’s ‘Gulf of America’ Freak-Out (NOTUS)

What Others are Reading

Two key stories on The Hill right now:

Republicans want Musk to shut up about Social Security

Senate Republicans want Elon Musk to stop talking about Social Security, and the Department of Government Efficiency to leave it alone. Read more

Kevin O’Leary: Walz’s Tesla stock quip ‘beyond stupid’

Investor Kevin O’Leary slammed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) over his joke about Elon Musk and Tesla stock, calling it “beyond stupid.” Read more

Opinions in The Hill

Op-ed related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill:

Trump’s regulatory rollbacks are bad for the environment and the economy

You're all caught up. See you tomorrow!

Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage.

Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩

Topics

Trump signs order on critical mineral production

President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order intended to boost production of critical minerals in the United States and confirmed a deal to gain access to minerals in Ukraine was still on ...
The Hill - 19h
Interior, Energy must rehire fired workers, judge says

Click for more from The Hill. {beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Interior, Energy must rehire fired workers, judge says The Trump administration must reinstate ...
The Hill - Mar. 13
Trump talks tough on toxics but is rolling back rules

Click for more from The Hill. {beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Trump talks tough on toxics but is rolling back rules President Trump has repeatedly said he’ll ...
The Hill - 3d
Trump wants to see more than just a minerals deal to restart aid and intel to Ukraine

As U.S. and Ukrainian officials prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia this week, President Donald Trump has privately made clear to aides that a signed minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv won’t be ...
NBC News - Mar. 9
Trump signs order to increase critical mineral production in the U.S.

The U.S. is depends on imports for some critical mineral needs.
CNBC - 18h
Trump wants more than a minerals deal with Ukraine to restart aid

“Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker joins Sunday TODAY’s Willie Geist to discuss new reporting on what the Trump administration is going to require in order to restart military aid and ...
NBC News - Mar. 9
Trump signs executive order dismantling the Department of Education

Watch live coverage as President Trump holds an education event at the White House and signs an executive order that could lead to the dismantling of the Department of Education.
NBC News - 1d
Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday seeking to facilitate his longstanding goal of eliminating the Department of Education. While the order recognizes it would take an act of ...
The Hill - 20h
Trump to sign executive order limiting Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order excluding certain student loan borrowers from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
CNBC - Mar. 7