Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Oil, Gas, and Coal Infrastructure

Defense Production Act Invocation for Energy and Infrastructure·Latest event April 23, 2026

Apr 23

Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Oil, Gas, and Coal Infrastructure

President Trump issued several orders using the Defense Production Act to speed up energy projects across the United States. These actions authorize federal spending and fast-track the development of natural gas pipelines, oil drilling operations, and coal mining facilities. The administration also invoked emergency powers to restart offshore oil operations off the coast of California. Officials stated these moves are necessary to lower energy costs and meet the high electricity demands of artificial intelligence. Beyond fossil fuels, the administration is using the law to strengthen the national power grid by boosting domestic manufacturing. This follows a broader presidential determination to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure for national security. These efforts aim to ensure the country has a reliable supply of power that does not depend on foreign sources or weather-dependent energy.

Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Natural Gas Pipelines and Export Hubs Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Oil Drilling and Pipelines Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Boost Coal Mining and Power Plants Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Fast-Track US Power Grid Manufacturing Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Large-Scale Energy ProjectsTrump administration invokes emergency powers to restart oil operations off California coast

Mar 27

House Lawmakers Propose Faster Hiring for Experts to Manage Defense Production Act Programs

House lawmakers introduced a new bill to speed up the hiring of experts for Defense Production Act programs. The Defense Production Act: Faster Hiring for Experts bill allows the government to quickly recruit specialists to manage industrial projects and contracts. This effort aims to make sure the government has enough staff to handle new defense production tasks. This proposal is part of a larger push to update the 1950s-era law. Other recent plans aim to secure medical supply chains and boost the production of critical minerals. These actions follow a recent executive order to use the law to support coal mining and energy infrastructure. These measures show a strategy to use federal power to strengthen national security and the economy.

H.R. 8138Defense Production Act: Faster Hiring for Experts

Apr 20

President Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Expand Energy Infrastructure and Coal Production

President Trump used the Defense Production Act on April 20 to expand federal support for the energy sector. He issued three determinations to increase coal mining and power plant maintenance, fast-track natural gas pipelines and export terminals, and boost manufacturing for electric grid equipment. These orders use federal authority to prioritize domestic energy production as a matter of national security. At the same time, Congress is working on the DPA Modernization Act of 2026 to provide $2 billion for critical minerals and medical supplies. Other bills like the Protecting America’s Medical Supply Chains Act and the DPA Emerging Technology Act aim to expand the law to cover pharmaceutical production and new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Boost Coal Mining and Power Generation Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Natural Gas Pipelines and Export Terminals Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Manufacturing of Electric Grid Equipment H.R. 7688DPA Modernization Act of 2026

The Facts

Policies

The DPA Modernization Act of 2026 is the primary legislation to extend and fund the program, while the other House bills propose specific administrative updates for staffing, outreach, and emerging technologies. The Modernization Act is currently the furthest along in the legislative process after being reported in April.

Fed. Reg.

Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Boost Coal Mining and Power Plants

Apr 23

Fed. Reg.

Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Large-Scale Energy Projects

Apr 23

Fed. Reg.

Trump Invokes Defense Production Act to Fast-Track US Power Grid Manufacturing

Apr 23

Fed. Reg.

Trump Uses Defense Production Act to Fast-Track Oil Drilling and Pipelines

Apr 23