Trump vowed to declare a national energy emergency as soon as he takes office — here’s how he might do it

Published

7 months ago

January 19, 2025

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President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to declare a national energy emergency as soon as he takes office Monday, months after promising voters that he would cut their electric and gasoline prices in half in the first year of his administration.

“To achieve this rapid reduction in energy costs, I will declare a national emergency to allow us to dramatically increase energy production, generation and supply,” Trump told supporters at a rally in Potterville, Michigan last August. “Starting on day one, I will approve new drilling, new pipelines, new refineries, new power plants, new reactors and we will slash the red tape.”

The president-elect reiterated as recently as Dec. 22 his intention to “declare a national energy emergency” on the first day of his administration. He vowed to issue a series of executive orders to reverse Biden administration policies on natural gas exports, drilling and emissions standards.

Trump plans to establish a National Energy Council led by North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, his pick to lead the Department of the Interior. Burgum said during a Senate hearing on his nomination this week that he expects the council to be established through an executive order.

It is unclear whether emergency declaration would be largely symbolic or would invoke broader powers that go beyond the executive orders on energy that Trump is widely expected to issue Monday. The president-elect’s transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

“My anticipation is that it will be a rhetorical declaration of an energy emergency,” said Mike Sommers, president of the oil industry’s lobby group American Petroleum Institute. “When you bundle together the executive orders, that will be the answer to what to do about the energy emergency.”

There are several emergency statutes Trump could invoke that are related to energy, said Glenn Schwartz, director of energy policy at the consulting firm Rapidan Energy. Emergencies are often loosely defined under federal law, giving the president broad discretion to use them as he sees fit, Schwartz said.

And Trump would likely face little pushback from the courts because they are reluctant to challenge presidential determinations related to national security, Schwartz said.

“What you end up with is that even if Trump were to expand his emergency powers in unprecedented ways, it is not clear that courts would step in to halt any of these resulting actions,” the analyst said.

Likely emergency authorities

There is a clear precedent for Trump to invoke emergency authority to promote power generation and expand the nation’s fuel supply, Schwartz told clients in a research report published last Thursday. Authorities using the powers would waive certain environmental and pollution rules related to energy.

Trump could issue fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to allow gasoline onto the market that would otherwise violate federal air quality standards, the analyst said. Presidents have often used such waivers whenever they needed to stretch the country’s gasoline supply and keep prices in check, he said.

Trump could also invoke the Federal Power Act to order power plants to run at maximum capacity and not comply with pollution limits, Schwartz said. The energy secretary can invoke the act during wartime or when a sudden increase in demand or a shortage of electricity creates an emergency situation.

The provision has been rarely used since World War II and has mostly been reserved for situations where extreme weather has overwhelmed power plants, Schwartz said.

The largest grid operator in the U.S., PJM Interconnection, has warned of a power shortfall as coal plants are retired faster than new capacity is brought online. PJM operates the grid in all or parts of 13 states, in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and South.

The situation could become more acute as electricity demand increases significantly as the tech sector builds out energy-hungry data centers to support artificial intelligence applications.

The first Trump administration considered invoking the act in 2018 to order utilities to buy two years of power from coal and nuclear plants that were at risk of shutting down. The administration at the time ultimately dropped the idea after facing push back from industry.

Trump could also opt for a broader statute that lets the president suspend pollution laws for industrial facilities, power plants, oil refineries, steel mills, chemical plants and other industrial facilities in emergency situations, Schwartz said.

There is less support under federal law for the president to force new production, Schwartz said. Trump could direct federal agencies to fast track environmental reviews on energy projects he supports, such as pipelines, but the president cannot use emergency authorities to circumvent bedrock environmental policies such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, the analyst said.

Expected executive orders

Oil industry lobbyists at the American Petroleum Institute are anticipating that Trump will issue a series of orders tied to energy as soon as Monday.

The administration is expected to issue an order lifting the Biden team’s pause on new liquified natural gas export facilities, Sommers said. The president-elect will also likely try to reverse President Biden’s recent decision to ban drilling in 625 million acres of federal waters. Trump’s authority to do this has been disputed and such an order would likely end up in court.

“We are of the view that he has the ability to reverse that and we’ll defend that in court,” Sommers said.

The industry is anticipating the president will also direct the Interior Department to increase oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf Mexico, Sommers said. The Biden administration had issued the fewest leases in history under a program set to run through 2029.

These decisions are not expected to have any immediate impact on production. The U.S. has been the world’s largest producer of oil and gas for six years, outpacing Saudi Arabia and Russia. The CEOs of Exxon and Chevron have made clear that production decisions are based on market conditions, not in response to who is in the White House.

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink,” Schwartz said. “He can give them all the resources they need to be able to drill, but I haven’t seen anything that suggests he can force them to take it out of the ground.”

Trump is expected to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement. Executive orders targeting tailpipe emission and fuel economy standards for cars are also expected.

Still, only so much can be done through executive order, Sommers said, and the directives often have to go through a rulemaking process that takes time. The oil industry is more focused on pushing for more durable policy changes in the Republican-controlled Congress, he said.

“There’s not a lot of stuff that they’re going to be able to do on day one, other than direct federal agencies to fulfill their promise of energy dominance,” Sommers said.

Environment

Lease an electric G-Wagon? Mercedes is dangling $9,500 in incentives

Published

4 hours ago

August 15, 2025

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Lease an electric G-Wagon? Mercedes is dangling ,500 in incentives

Mercedes-Electric-G-Class — Mercedes-Benz Electric G-Wagon (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)

If you’ve been eyeing the all-electric G-Wagon, Mercedes-Benz just sweetened the deal – but only for a limited time.

According to a dealer bulletin, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology – AKA the electric G-Wagon – now comes with $9,500 in lease cash, up from last month’s $7,500. That’s a 27% jump in savings. The move comes just weeks before the $7,500 EV lease tax credit loophole closes on September 30.

Like most EVs leased in the US, the G-Class has been able to qualify for the credit even though it’s excluded from purchase incentives. That benefit is about to disappear, which likely explains why Mercedes is boosting the offers now.

The electric G-Wagon doesn’t come cheap. With a base price of $162,650, the $9,500 incentive amounts to only a 5.8% discount. The SUV also carries a steep advertised lease: $1,869 per month for 36 months with $14,613 due at signing. Factor it all in, and you’re really paying about $2,275 a month for 10,000 miles a year. Current Mercedes deals run through September 2.

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For context, the 2025 G 580’s lease money factor now sits at 0.00180, which works out to around 4.3% APR – lower than the standard rates previously on offer.

Performance-wise, the electric G-Wagon earns an EPA rating of 62 MPGe and an electric range of 239 miles. Not groundbreaking numbers, but for buyers who want the iconic G-Wagon experience with zero tailpipe emissions, this is it.

With federal lease credits ending soon, Mercedes appears to be betting that drivers looking for a last chance at big EV savings will jump now rather than later.

Click here to find a local dealer that may have the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology in stock. –trusted affiliate

Thanks to CarsDirect for digging up this dealer offer.

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Environment

Used Honda Prologue EVs are selling faster than expected

Published

5 hours ago

August 15, 2025

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Used Honda Prologue EVs are selling faster than expected

The Honda Prologue is a surprise hit. It was the second-best-selling electric SUV behind the Tesla Model Y in the second half of 2024. Now, used models are in high demand.

Honda Prologue leads used EV sales growth in July

After it delivered the first customer models last March, the Honda Prologue quickly became one of the most popular EVs in the US.

Throughout the second half of the year, Honda sold an average of over 5,000 Prologues every month. In November, it was the third best-selling EV, trailing only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

Honda’s electric SUV continues to be a top seller this year. Last month, it outsold the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Since delivering the first Prologue model last March, Honda has now sold 52,500 units in the US.

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According to Cox Automotive’s latest EV Market Monitor report, used Honda Prologue EVs are selling faster than expected.

Used EV sales rose sharply in July to 36,670, up 23.2% from June and 40% compared to last year. Honda had the biggest increase in used EV sales, more than doubling (+103%) month-over-month. Hyundai (+61.3%) and Rivian (60.5%) ranked second and third.

Tesla led used EV sales last month, selling 15,903 vehicles, up 18% year-over-year. GM’s Chevy (3,499 units, +28.6%), Ford (1,967 units, +25.7%), Mercedes-Benz (1,724 units, -12.3%), and Nissan (1,659 units, +19.9%) rounded out the top five.

Although its market share slipped to 43.4% from 45.2%, Tesla remained the leader by a wide margin. Other luxury brands, including BMW and Audi, reported higher used EV sales in July, with increases of 43.87% and 38%, respectively.

According to the report, used EV listing prices reached $35,263 last month, a 1.9% decrease from June. With a price gap of just $1,266, a record low, used electric vehicle prices are closing in on ICE vehicles.

New EV sales also picked up in July. With over 130,000 EVs sold, up 26% from June, the electric vehicle market share reached 9.1%, the second-highest to date.

Ahead of the $7,500 federal tax credit deadline, set to expire at the end of September, 11 brands posted their best EV sales of the year. The top five included Tesla, Chevy, Hyundai, Ford, and Honda. Volkswagen surged to sixth after electric vehicle sales surged 454% last month.

The Honda Prologue starts at $47,400, but with the credit, you can snag one for under $40,000 right now. Honda is also offering monthly leases as low as $159 in California and other ZEV states. In other regions, it’s still listed for as low as $229 per month.

2025 Honda Prologue trim	Starting Price*	Starting Price After Tax Credit*	EPA Range (miles)
EX (FWD)	$47,400	$39,900	308
EX (AWD)	$50,400	$42,900	294
Touring (FWD)	$51.700	$44,200	308
Touring (AWD)	$54,700	$47,200	294
Elite (AWD)	$57,900	$50,400	283

2025 Honda Prologue prices and range by trim (*Does not include $1,450 D&H fee)

Even Honda’s luxury brand, Acura, is selling more electric vehicles than expected. Through the first half of the year, the Acura ZDX outsold the Cadillac Lyriq, and it’s based on the same GM Ultium platform.

Sales are expected to continue picking up ahead of the deadline. As Cox Automotive highlighted, “July’s performance sets a strong precedent, and as policy support winds down, the market’s ability to respond to real-time demand and brand-level dynamics will be critical in shaping the next phase of growth.”

Ready to take advantage of the savings while they are still here? We’re here to help. You can use our link to find deals on the Honda Prologue in your area (trusted affiliate link).

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Environment

Refuse revolution: Republic deploys Mack LR Electric garbage trucks in Chicago

Published

6 hours ago

August 15, 2025

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Refuse revolution: Republic deploys Mack LR Electric garbage trucks in Chicago

We’re thrilled to support Republic Services in announcing its first 2 electric recycling and waste collection vehicles in Chicago

The waste management experts at Republic Services are committed to cleaning up the Chicagoland area — and now, that includes the air Chicagoans breathe, thanks to the deployment of new Mack LR Electric garbage trucks in the heart of America’s Second City.

Republic Services executives and partners from local utility ComEd gathered yesterday, 14AUG, to celebrate the deployment of Chicago’s first electric refuse fleet, featuring two new Mack LR Electric garbage trucks paid for, in part, by ComEd’s commercial EV rebate program.

“The Mack LR Electric is purpose-built for refuse applications, delivering zero local emissions while maintaining the durability and performance Mack trucks are known for,” reads the official Mack press release. “The electric powertrain provides quieter operation for early morning routes and helps fleet operators meet sustainability goals while supporting cleaner air quality in urban communities. With its low cab-forward design and tight turning radius, the LR Electric maintains the maneuverability essential for residential and commercial waste collection routes.”

The big Class 8 Mack Trucks are powered by a pair of electric motors putting 400 combined kW (about 536 hp) through a 2-speed Mack Powershift transmission that offers a whopping 4,051 lb-ft of peak torque output. That’s over 40% more power than the first generation Mack LR Electric released in 2019, and this iteration can charge the 376 kWh Samsung-sourced batteries fully in under two hours at 150 kW.

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Real money, real results

ComEd and Republic Svcs. executives pose with “big check,” via ComEd.

While Washington continues to threaten America’s economic security and position as a global technology leader by toying with the idea of killing the $7,500 Federal EV tax credit, the ENERGY STAR program, and other energy efficiency incentives, the private energy sector is stepping up with massive investments in battery storage, charging infrastructure, and commercial EV rebates – and Chicago is leading that charge (pun very much intended), with EV adoption outpacing the rest of the nation by 4:1 in Q1.

“ComEd is proud to support Republic Services in advancing zero emissions transportation for Chicago’s neighborhoods,” explains Melissa Washington, our senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives. “As more customers take advantage of our EV rebate programs, we are helping empower customers to realize the air quality and energy savings benefits of EVs, and moving our communities closer to their goals for a more sustainable future.”

The new HD electric vehicles will be powered up nightly by equally new 150 kW DC fast charging stations from BP pulse, which are installed at Republic’s vehicle yard in the Little Village neighborhood. Part of the ComEd rebate money awarded to the company helped fund the make-ready infrastructure portion (effectively from the transformer to the stub) of that project, as well as at least one Ford F-150 Lightning pickup.

And, if these trucks look familiar, it might be because Republic Services also handles refuse collection for the City of Madison, Wisconsin, and added two Class 8 electric trucks to their garbage fleet last year in the form of a pair of similar Mack Electric LR HDEVs.

Electrek’s Take

Look, you know me. There is absolutely ZERO chance that I’ll be able to remain objective about anything that’s putting down more than four thousand lb-ft of torque. Make that thing quieter, cleaner, and generally better for me and my community, and there’s even less of a chance of me saying anything critical about it.

Here’s hoping more cities go electric rather sooner than later.

SOURCES | IMAGES: Mack Trucks, Republic Services, via LinkedIn.

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