President Donald Trump has signed an executive order—claiming an economic emergency spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic—that directs federal agencies to bypass environmental laws to expedite infrastructure projects, including those on federal lands. Legal challenges are expected to follow.
“Antiquated regulations and bureaucratic practices have hindered American infrastructure investments,” said the directive. “The need for continued progress in this streamlining effort is all the more acute now, due to the ongoing economic crisis.”
