1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The Trump administration’s recent executive order to accelerate mining and clear-cutting on public lands—under the pretext of an “energy emergency”—represents a blatant disregard for environmental stewardship and sustainable policy. This unilateral move, issued without scientific backing or public consultation, prioritizes short-term corporate gains over the long-term health of our ecosystems and natural resources. Fast-tracking destructive practices like large-scale mining and deforestation will only deepen the climate crisis, accelerate habitat destruction, and further destabilize fragile ecosystems. The damage to pristine landscapes and vulnerable species may be irreversible, with consequences that will echo for generations. This reckless executive overreach undermines foundational environmental protections and sets a troubling precedent for bypassing democratic processes. We call on Congress to immediately denounce and overturn this unlawful order. Our public lands are a shared legacy, held in trust for all Americans—not a commodity to be exploited for private profit. Congress must reaffirm its constitutional role and act decisively to protect our environment and safeguard our natural heritage for present and future generations.