Nebraska AG Hilgers joins brief supporting Trump energy emergency

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced that the state has joined an amicus brief supporting President Trump's executive order declaring a national energy emergency, according to a statement from the Nebraska Attorney General's office.

The brief was filed in response to Executive Order 14156, which Trump signed on his first day back in office in January 2025. The order declares that inadequate domestic energy production, transportation, and refining constitute an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the nation's economy, national security, and foreign policy.

The executive order directs federal agencies to identify and exercise emergency authorities to facilitate domestic energy development, including on federal lands. It invokes powers under the National Emergencies Act and the Defense Production Act, potentially allowing agencies to expedite permitting and bypass certain environmental regulations for energy infrastructure projects.

Hilgers, who became Nebraska's 33rd attorney general in 2022, has made energy policy a priority throughout his tenure. Previously, he has joined other state officials in briefs opposing California energy mandates and supporting natural gas appliances for consumers.

The emergency declaration has drawn legal challenges, with some states and environmental groups questioning whether the order exceeds presidential authority under emergency powers.