Trump Signs Executive Orders to Bolster Coal Power and Mining

Today, President Donald Trump is set to sign a series of executive orders that aim to facilitate the continued operation of economically unviable coal power plants. Additionally, these orders are expected to initiate a significant expansion of coal mining activities on public lands.

Executive Actions Targeting Coal Industry

These initiatives are part of an approach that involves the utilization of emergency powers under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, among other legal provisions. As part of the actions, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has been tasked with assessing whether coal utilized in steel manufacturing should be classified as “critical” under federal legislation. The signing event is scheduled for 3 PM at the White House.

Reactions from Public Citizen

In response to these developments, Tyson Slocum, the Energy Program Director at Public Citizen, criticized the measures, stating, “Apparently the guy that did Trump’s tariff calculations put together this ratepayer-funded coal bailout plan, because it’s just as stupid. Trump’s fraudulent January 20 energy emergency declaration unsurprisingly is heavy on useless rhetoric and devoid of any facts.”

Concerns Over Air Quality and Economic Implications

Slocum further argued that these policies would disproportionately affect working families by requiring them to subsidize coal operations for the benefit of major tech companies. He emphasized that such a move risks delaying the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy sources while imposing health risks on communities through increased air pollution.

Focusing on Future Steel Production

Public Citizen advocates for a shift towards sustainable methods for steel production, highlighting advancements in green hydrogen and renewable energy. Slocum warns that reliance on coal for steel manufacturing could hinder economic progress and decrease competitiveness against countries that are investing in greener alternatives.

Call for Action from Big Tech

Slocum concluded with a pointed message to technology firms that are increasing energy demands due to their AI developments: “The Big Tech firms that are driving energy demand at data centers with their new AI technologies—but which have long claimed to be concerned about the climate crisis—should renounce this Trump diktat immediately.”

Conclusion

The executive orders signed today reflect a contentious approach to energy policy that prioritizes the coal industry amidst a growing global emphasis on sustainable practices. This move highlights ongoing debates about energy sources, environmental impacts, and economic strategies in the United States.