The White House said on Oct. 22 President Trump invoked the Defense Production
Act to designate domestic oil exploration and production, pipeline transport,
storage, refining and marine terminals as critical national-defense resources.
The action authorizes the federal government to use direct procurement, purchase
commitments, financing and other financial measures to expand related capacity.
The statement cited financing constraints, long project lead times, permitting
and infrastructure bottlenecks and supply‑chain limits firms as reasons U.S.
have struggled to meet demand, and said Trump waived certain requirements of
Section 303 to speed expansion.
