Trump plans directive to use Defense Production Act to boost oil and fuel output
President Trump is preparing a memo for department heads that would invoke the Defense Production Act to increase oil and diesel production ahead of the November elections.
President Donald Trump is set to issue a directive to senior officials in several federal departments, urging them to explore ways to raise oil and diesel output. The memo is expected to call for the use of the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era authority, to circumvent certain state and local regulations that limit energy production. Industry sources said the move aims to address high diesel prices that have been reported in recent weeks, as the country heads toward the November 3 congressional elections.
"We are looking at all options to ensure the American consumer has access to affordable fuel," a White House spokesperson said. The initiative would involve coordination among agencies to increase domestic fuel supplies, according to the same sources.