Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This evening, Donald Trump issued an executive order that will prioritize the mining efforts of corporate polluters over other uses on public lands.
The order, which was posted to the White House website, orders executive agencies involved in permitting mining operations across the United States to expedite the approval of projects, possibly with immediate effect. The sweeping order also directs agency staff to compile a list of all federal lands with known mineral deposits and to prioritize mining as the primary use of these landscapes over all other uses.
Many of Trump’s executive orders have sought to increase the position of corporate polluters on public lands, making industrial corporations the prime benefactors of the country’s public lands and waters over the American people.
In response, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program, released the following statement:
“Once again, Donald Trump is showing us who he thinks deserves to benefit from our country’s public lands – his billionaire buddies and not the American people. This executive order is a big wet kiss for the corporate polluters in the mining industry, and our public lands, local communities, and wildlife will suffer the consequences of this giveaway. Our mining laws are stuck in the nineteenth century era of the robber barons, and Trump wants to keep them there.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.