Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the struggling coal industry, a move that has reignited debates over energy policy and environmental concerns.
Among the four orders, Trump invoked his emergency authority to allow older coal-fired power plants scheduled for retirement to continue producing electricity. This decision comes in response to rising power demands driven by the growth of data centers, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles.
"I call it beautiful, clean coal. I told my people, never use the word coal unless you put beautiful, clean before it," Trump said during a signing ceremony at the White House. "Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure, and powerful form of energy."
The orders also direct federal agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining, and prioritize coal leasing. Additionally, Trump signed a proclamation offering coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic, and benzene.
Critics argue that these actions undermine environmental protections and state rights. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, co-chairs of the U.S. Climate Alliance, stated that Trump’s orders illegally attempt to override state efforts to address climate change.
Environmental groups have also voiced strong opposition. Kit Kennedy, managing director for power at the Natural Resources Defense Council, questioned the practicality of the orders. "What’s next, a mandate that Americans must commute by horse and buggy?" Kennedy remarked. "Coal plants are old and dirty, uncompetitive and unreliable."
Advocates for renewable energy emphasize the importance of investing in sustainable power sources. "The U.S. should focus on building the power grid of the future," Kennedy added, highlighting the need for tax credits and support for wind and solar energy.
The coal industry has been in decline for decades due to economic factors and environmental regulations. Trump’s latest efforts represent a continuation of his administration’s attempts to bolster coal despite market trends favoring cleaner energy alternatives.
(Cover image: A view of the Harrison Power Station, a coal-fired power plant, in Haywood, West Virginia, U.S., March 10, 2025. /VCG)
