NEWS RELEASE
ORGANIZATION CONTACT
Valerie J. Grussing, Ph.D. NATHPO, Executive Director
Valerie@nathpo.org
202-628-8476
MEDIA CONTACT
Media@nathpo.org
202-643-0839
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Last week, the President, in a media availability with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said of U.S. energy production, "We have so much oil and gas. You will not be able to buy it all." This statement from the President aligns with U.S. Energy Information Administration's analysis that the United States broke records for crude oil production in 2024 and overall energy production in the United States hit all-time highs in 2024.
Meanwhile, under the conditions of the Executive Order issued earlier this year Declaring a National Energy Emergency, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) only have seven days to review new energy projects, instead of the 30 days the law allows under non-emergency conditions. Given the overwhelming evidence that the United Sates is no longer experiencing an energy emergency, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation officers (NAHPO) is calling on the Administration to reconsider the declaration of a national energy emergency.
"NATHPO agrees with the President's assessment that American energy production is at an all-time high, and we therefore ask the White House to reconsider its Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency and restore the status quo for review of new energy projects," said NATHPO Executive Director Dr. Valerie Grussing. "This will give Tribal Nations and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers the ability to allow energy projects to go forward while ensuring the protection of sacred places and cultural resources."
Who we are – NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at www.nathpo.org.