This resolution ends the national emergency concerning energy declared in January 2025.
Timothy "Tim" Kaine
Senator
VA
This joint resolution terminates the national emergency concerning energy declared by the President in January 2025. The resolution nullifies Executive Order 14156, effectively ending the emergency powers invoked under the National Emergencies Act.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 53 | 0 | 52 | 1 |
Democrat | 45 | 45 | 0 | 0 |
Independent | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
National Energy Emergency Declaration Revoked: Joint Resolution Ends January 2025 Order
This joint resolution puts a stop to the national energy emergency that President declared back on January 20, 2025, in Executive Order 14156. Basically, it hits the 'undo' button on that previous presidential action.
Unpacking the Emergency Powers
The resolution directly targets Executive Order 14156, which was enacted under the National Emergencies Act. By terminating the emergency, the bill removes any special powers or authorities granted to the executive branch during that period. This means any fast-tracked projects or bypassed regulations put in place because of the emergency are now supposed to revert to pre-emergency status.
Real-World Rollback
For folks on the ground, the impact depends on what exactly went down during the emergency. Think of it like this: if a construction company was given a quicker permit process for a new pipeline because of the emergency declaration, that fast-track is now gone. They're back to the usual (and often slower) procedures. Or, if certain environmental reviews were waived to speed up energy production, those requirements are back in effect. The specific changes will vary, but the idea is to return to the normal way of doing things.
The Bigger Picture
Terminating a national emergency brings back the usual checks and balances between the President and Congress. It means any executive actions taken under the emergency declaration—which might have sidestepped normal legislative processes—are rolled back. A potential challenge, however, is that if the original energy issues that prompted the emergency declaration haven't fully resolved, ending the emergency status could slow down any necessary responses. It's a balancing act between restoring regular order and ensuring the government can still react quickly to critical energy needs. The joint resolution restores the regular order, but it will be crucial to see if the energy situation that led to the January 2025 declaration has actually changed.