Trump Signs Executive Order to Revive Coal Industry Amid Rising Energy Demands
President Trump's new executive order aims to expand coal mining and dismiss regulations, but environmental experts argue there's no such thing as clean coal.
Coal-fired power declined more than 2 percent in 2024, continuing a decades-long decline.
Trump Signs Executive Orders to Revive ‘Abandoned’ Coal Industry
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The Trump administration is seeking to boost the coal industry in part to help meet the energy needs of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which Lummis called “welcome news” for her home state of Wyoming.
Sen. Lummis Says Country ‘Back On Track’ With Trump’s Effort To Boost Coal
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These actions reflect Trump's broader energy strategy to prioritize domestic fossil fuels and reduce reliance on imported resources.
Trump signs executive orders on coal industry: what we know
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Coal is an abundant, energy-dense resource with a higher concentration in the U.S. than any other country in the world, but it is also a fossil fuel and creates carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) when burned, which contributes to global warming and human-amplified climate change.
Trump signs executive order to expand 'clean' coal, but there's no such thing
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The push to revive the coal industry also runs counter to most Americans’ priorities, according to the latest public opinion research from Yale University.
Trump signs executive order to boost U.S. coal industry, in part to fuel artificial intelligence
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The U.S. needs more coal to meet growing electricity demand from artificial intelligence data centers and other industries, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Tuesday.
U.S. needs to keep coal plants open to meet growing electricity demand, energy secretary says
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The order also instructs the Department of Justice to identify any to find every "unconstitutional" state or local regulation that is "putting our coal miners out of business," according to Trump.
US federal agencies to 'unleash' coal energy after Biden 'stifled' it: 'Mine, Baby, Mine'
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Coal is the most polluting of all fossil fuels when burned, and accounts for roughly 40 percent of the world’s industrial carbon dioxide emissions, the main driver of global warming.
Trump to Sign Executive Order Aimed at Reviving U.S. Coal Industry
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But, upon returning to office earlier this year, Trump is hoping to see more of the nation’s energy come from coal.
Watch: Trump signs executive order seeking to bolster US coal mining
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Energy experts say any bump for coal under Trump is likely to be temporary because natural gas is cheaper and there’s a durable market for renewable energy such as wind and solar power no matter who holds the White House.
WATCH LIVE: Trump signs executive order to bolster U.S. coal industry
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Trump’s approach is in contrast to that of his predecessor Joe Biden, who in May last year brought in new climate rules requiring huge cuts in carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants that some experts said were “probably terminal” for an industry that until recently provided most of the US’s power, but is being driven out of the sector by cheaper renewables and gas.
Trump signs orders to allow coal-fired power plants to remain open
The Guardian·11d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Energy experts say any bump for coal under Trump is likely to be temporary because natural gas is cheaper and there’s a durable market for renewable energy such as wind and solar power no matter who holds the White House.
Trump is expected to sign executive orders to boost coal, a reliable but polluting energy source
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Summary
In response to increasing electricity demands, President Trump signed an executive order to expand mining and use of coal, labeling it as 'clean' despite expert pushback. The order allows for coal leasing on public lands and keeps older plants operational, contradicting global trends towards renewable energy. Critics, including former EPA officials, argue that coal remains environmentally damaging and that initiatives for cleaner energy are being overlooked. As public support for renewable resources grows, this initiative reflects a significant divide on America's energy future, particularly with rising demands from AI and data centers.
Perspectives
Trump aims to revive the declining coal industry through executive orders, emphasizing coal as vital for meeting electricity demand from growing sectors like AI and data centers.
The administration plans to remove barriers to coal mining, designate coal as a critical mineral, and accelerate coal production on federal lands to bolster energy supply in the U.S.
Energy experts suggest that while Trump's actions may temporarily boost coal, the long-term trends favor cheaper natural gas and renewable energies over coal.
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