White House Eyes Action Against Environmental Groups That Target Key Industries

In a development that could reshape the energy, housing, agricultural, and water industries, Bloomberg is reporting that the Trump administration is preparing executive orders that would review and potentially revoke the tax-exempt status of certain environmental nonprofits that have long targeted industries essential to America’s energy, housing, agriculture, and wildfire prevention.

This initiative, expected on April 22, Earth Day, reflects growing concern among policymakers about whether some environmental organizations are using their nonprofit status to engage in political activity and obstruct critical domestic oil production. For years, these groups have launched coordinated campaigns against oil and gas development, pushed to block new housing through environmental lawsuits, fought using pest management tools in agriculture, and opposed science-based wildfire mitigation strategies.

Members of our industry know this story all too well.

The administration’s focus appears to be on ensuring that nonprofit tax benefits are not used to underwrite efforts that hinder economic development, national energy security, and common-sense environmental management.

While legal reviews and due process will guide the outcome, this activity signals a recognition of the critical balance needed between environmental stewardship and economic progress. It also opens a broader conversation about transparency, fairness, and accountability in the nonprofit sector.

As this develops, our industries will continue to advocate for policies grounded in science, sustainability, and economic opportunity, for working families and all those who rely on safe, reliable, and affordable access to energy.