Executive Order and Presidential Memoranda Watch 1/24-1/25

Executive Order: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements (1/25/17) – Executive Order targeted at securing the United States/Mexico border. Included in this directive are orders to begin planning, design, and construction of a physical wall, produce a study of the current security status of the southern border within 180 days, expedite review of cases relating to individuals who may be in violation of U.S. immigration law, and to promptly deport individuals who do not have legal claim to remain in the U.S.

Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States (1/25/17) – Executive departments and agencies are directed to employ all lawful means to enforce U.S. immigration laws, including the withholding of Federal funds, where allowable by law, from jurisdictions that fail to comply with immigration law (sometimes referred to as "sanctuary cities").

Presidential Memorandum Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens for Domestic Manufacturing (1/24/17) – Directive to executive departments to support the expansion of U.S. manufacturing by speeding the review and approval process for proposed manufacturing facilities and reducing regulatory burdens on domestic manufacturers. To achieve this aim, over the next 60 days the Secretary of Commerce is tasked with outreach to manufacturing firms to better understand regulatory burdens and with submitting a plan to the President for streamlining Federal permitting processes.
 
Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of American Pipelines (1/24/07) – Directive to the Secretary of Commerce to develop a plan in the next 180 days for the use of materials and equipment produced in the United States, to the maximum extent possible and permitted by law, in the production, expansion, repair, and retrofitting of pipelines in the United States. "Produced in the United States" here defined for iron or steel as products where the full manufacturing process from initial melting through the application of coatings occurred within the U.S.

Executive Order Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals For High Priority Infrastructure Projects (1/24/17) – Executive Order for the streamlining and expediting of infrastructure project reviews and approvals, with special focus on improving the electrical grid and telecom systems, and repairing & upgrading port facilities, airports, bridges, and highways. The Chairman for the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) shall make decisions within 30 days of submitted requests whether projects qualify as "high priority" infrastructure projects. Projects determined to be high priority will see expedited review/approval, and, where deadlines for review and approval are not met, "the head of the relevant agency shall provide a written explanation to the Chairman explaining the causes for the delay and providing concrete actions taken by the agency to complete such reviews and approvals as expeditiously as possible."

Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline (1/24/17) – Invitation to TransCanada Keystone Pipeline L.P to re-submit application for construction and operation of the Keystone XL pipeline. The Secretary of State is instructed to expedite the review of this application if/when received and will reach a final permitting determination within 60 days of the application being received. This decision will take into consideration the environmental impact statement issued by the Department of State in January 2014. If approved by the Secretary of State and a Presidential permit is issued, the Secretary of the Army and Secretary of State are instructed to expedite the review of necessary permits, grants, and reliefs required for pipeline completion.  


Presidential Memorandum Regarding Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (1/24/17) – The Secretary of the Army shall instruct necessary parties to expedite the review and approval process for the construction and operation of the Dakota Access Pipeline. As part of this process, consideration should be made regarding withdraw of the Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement published Jan 18, 2017. Further, existing reviews and determinations should be considered, to the extent permitted by law, as satisfying National Environmental Policy Act requirements and any other law that requires executive consultation or review.  
Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2017 @ 9:02 AM

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.