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Presidential Determination Concerning the Air Force’s Jet Fighter Training Operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada

SignedApril 20, 2026
Memorandum·Donald Trump·Environmental Policy
Why This Matters

The Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada are now exempt from federal, state, and local water pollution control requirements for one year, starting April 20, 2026.

This means the Air Force can conduct its training without needing to follow certain environmental regulations that would normally apply.
Air Force personnel involved in training operations and local communities near the training sites in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.
What You Need to Know

The President has determined that the Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada will be exempt from various water pollution control requirements for one year, beginning April 20, 2026. This exemption allows the Air Force to conduct its training without the usual federal, state, and local regulations that govern water pollution, although it must still comply with some specific provisions of the Clean Water Act. The Secretary of the Air Force is tasked with publishing this determination in the Federal Register to inform the public.

This decision comes amid ongoing litigation regarding the environmental impact of these training operations. The exemption aims to facilitate military readiness by allowing the Air Force to train without the delays that can come from environmental compliance processes. Critics may argue that this could lead to increased pollution and environmental degradation in the training areas, while supporters may emphasize the importance of military preparedness.

Looking ahead, the Air Force will need to ensure that its operations remain within the bounds of the remaining legal requirements. The exemption is temporary, and the situation may evolve depending on public response and any potential legal challenges that arise during the exemption period.

Who is affected?

Air Force personnel involved in training operations and local communities near the training sites in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

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Presidential Actions

Presidential Determination Concerning the Air Force’s Jet Fighter Training Operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada

Presidential Memoranda

MEMORANDUM FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

SUBJECT:       Presidential Determination Concerning the Air Force’s Jet Fighter Training Operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1323), I determine that it is in the paramount interest of the United States to exempt the United States Air Force’s jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada (aspects of which are the subject of litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass‘n v. Meink, Case No. 2:23-cv-01898 (D. Or.)) from Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements, administrative authority, and process and sanctions respecting the control and abatement of water pollution. 

Therefore, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1323(a)), I hereby exempt the Air Force’s jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local requirements, administrative authority, and process and sanctions respecting the control and abatement of water pollution; except that no exemption is hereby granted from the requirements of 33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317. 

The exemption granted by this memorandum shall be for the 1-year period beginning April 20, 2026, and ending April 20, 2027.

Nothing herein is intended to:  (a) imply that in the absence of such a Presidential exemption, the Clean Water Act or any other provision of law would require the Air Force to obtain permits pertaining to the control and abatement of water pollution for the exempted operations; or (b) limit the applicability or enforcement of any other requirement of law applicable to the Air Force’s jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

The Secretary of the Air Force is authorized and directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Presidential Determination Concerning the Air Force’s Jet Fighter Training Operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada - PILLARS