A Democratic-led resolution to end President Trump’s declaration of an “energy emergency” failed along party lines Wednesday afternoon.
Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the measure earlier in February as a privileged matter, meaning the Republican majority was required to give it a vote in the following weeks.
The Senate voted not to adopt SJ Res 10 with a party-line vote of 47-52, with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-S.D.) absent.
The resolution was made under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows a simple majority in both houses of Congress to overturn federal rulemaking. The divided 118th Congress frequently used the CRA to target Biden administration energy and environment rules, with red-state senators such as then-Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.V.) and Jon Tester (D-Mt.) frequently helping them clear the Democratic-majority Senate. Former President Biden vetoed all such resolutions that reached his desk.
The Jan. 20 energy emergency declaration was one of several early steps Trump took to promote fossil fuel development and wind back Biden administration policies encouraging renewable energy development. It directs federal regulatory agencies to loosen the environmental review process for oil and gas projects.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum signed several orders following up on the presidential order shortly after taking office himself, including “identify[ing] all emergency and legal authorities available” to reduce regulatory hurdles.
Kaine and Heinrich have pointed to record oil production in the U.S. under the Biden administration and called the Trump order a thinly-disguised industry giveaway.
“The United States is producing more energy than at any other point in history. So why would Donald Trump spend his first day in office declaring a national energy emergency, and then halt crucial investments from the Inflation Reduction Act that are creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and supporting American leadership in the clean energy industries of tomorrow? Because Trump will do anything for Big Oil,” Kaine said in a statement.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump reportedly met with oil executives and solicited a $1 billion campaign contribution while promising favorable energy policies. Oil and gas interests would donate some $75 million to Trump-affiliated political action committees over the campaign. The Trump campaign has denied the discussion involved any quid pro quo.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) took aim at the resolution in remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday morning and praised Trump’s order, saying “If Democrats acknowledge that we are rapidly approaching an energy crisis, they might have to actually consider the consequences of their energy plans.”
“If we don’t take action, we are going to be facing some very serious problems in the very near future, so I’m grateful to have a president who recognizes and acknowledges the energy emergency facing our nation,” Thune added.
