Attorney General Mayes has joined forces with 14 other state attorneys general to file a lawsuit against President Donald Trump's declaration of a "national energy emergency." This legal action challenges the president's directive, which is perceived as a move to benefit fossil fuel companies by bypassing essential environmental reviews.
The emergency was declared on Inauguration Day under the National Emergencies Act. According to Attorney General Mayes, this act was designed to prevent the misuse of emergency powers for partisan purposes, which she claims is being violated by the current administration.
Federal agencies are reportedly sidestepping critical reviews mandated by laws such as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. These laws are crucial for protecting Arizona's natural resources and heritage sites.
Despite U.S. energy production reaching record levels, critics argue that the president's order will not enhance supply but rather increase prices through heightened exports. The directive could also potentially undermine state protections and public lands.
"This so-called emergency is nothing more than a political stunt designed to benefit fossil fuel companies at the expense of Arizonans’ health and safety," stated Attorney General Mayes. She emphasized that Arizona would not tolerate federal actions that compromise environmental safeguards and tribal lands.
Historically, emergency procedures have been reserved for genuine crises like hurricanes or oil spills. However, federal agencies are now employing these protocols following presidential orders without public consultation or scientific evaluation.
The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington targets President Trump, along with leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. These entities are accused of unlawfully implementing the president's directive.
The coalition of attorneys general seeks a court ruling declaring both the executive order and its implementation illegal. They aim to stop any further issuance of emergency permits under this policy.
In addition to Attorney General Mayes, attorneys general from Washington, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin have joined in filing this lawsuit.
A copy of the complaint is available for review.