On Wednesday, the Trump administration took decisive action to speed up energy and mining projects on federal lands by introducing an emergency permitting process that cuts approval times from years to a maximum of 28 days.

This step, announced by the Department of the Interior, fulfills President Trump’s goal of boosting domestic energy production, following his national-energy emergency declaration made on his first day in office.

By reducing bureaucratic delays, the administration aims to lower fuel prices, decrease dependence on foreign energy and reinforce America’s leadership in energy production.

The new process focuses on fossil fuels including oil, gas and coal, as well as uranium, geothermal energy, critical minerals, biofuels and hydropower projects.

Notably, solar and wind energy were excluded, reflecting the administration’s priority on traditional energy sources and resources important for infrastructure and defense.

• Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlights the urgency of the effort: “By reducing a multi-year permitting process down to just 28 days, the department will lead with urgency, resolve and a clear focus on strengthening the nation’s energy independence.”

The department plans to use alternative methods to comply with environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act while speeding up approvals.

Energy industry groups welcome the move, which addresses long-standing complaints about slow and costly permitting on federal lands.

Critics, however, question whether this will significantly increase oil production — which is already near record levels.

But supporters believe the faster permitting will improve U.S. competitiveness, especially in critical minerals where the country faces stiff — and adversarial — foreign competition.

Your Rundown for Friday, April 25, 2025...

Markets Bounce on Tariff Optimism?

Markets have managed to string together a few decent days this week as investors bet on a return to “normalcy.”

Trump signaled that tariffs on China — currently at 145% — will “come down substantially,” hinting at a softer stance and possible new negotiations.

Beijing, however, says there have been no talks with Team Trump about tariffs.

The President also reassured markets by saying he won’t fire “major loser” Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

Meanwhile, Tesla shares rebounded after Elon Musk said he would focus more on the company, bolstering investor confidence.

These developments seem to calm market anxiety, with investors moving back into stocks on hopes that the worst volatility is over and a steadier environment is ahead.

That said, markets are sliding again this morning...

Market Rundown for Friday, April 25, 2025

S&P 500 futures are down 0.20% to 5,495.

Oil is down 1.25% to $62 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is down 1.20% to $3,308.90 per ounce.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is up 1.50%, just under $95,000.