Trump Signs Executive Orders to Revive Coal Industry Amid Global Climate Concerns
US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting coal production in a move that counters global initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, as reported by Reuters. According to the Energy Information Administration, coal’s role in US power generation has sharply declined from 50% in 2000 to under 20% today, as natural gas, solar, and wind energy have gained prominence.
"We’re reviving an industry that was left behind," Trump said at the White House. He emphasized his goal to "put the miners back to work," referencing the sector’s shrinking workforce, which has fallen from 70,000 a decade ago to about 40,000 today.
Efforts to Protect Coal Plants and Reclassify Resources
Reuters reports that among the orders, Trump instructed federal agencies to find ways to prevent the closure of coal-fired plants, including invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 to bolster coal output.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright was also directed to assess whether metallurgical coal essential for steelmaking should be designated a "critical mineral," a classification usually reserved for components vital to defense technologies. Such a move could pave the way for emergency measures to expand coal production.
Another directive called on the US Attorney General to identify state-level climate policies that may hinder fossil fuel development and seek to block their enforcement.
Following Trump’s signing, the Energy Department announced it would make $200 billion in financing available through its loan programs office, including support for new coal technologies, a program that had seen limited use for carbon capture under previous administrations.
Boosting Federal Coal Leasing
Additionally, the orders instructed the Interior Department, led by Doug Burgum, to formally end the moratorium on new coal leasing on federal lands. This decision reopens opportunities for private companies to purchase extraction rights, with a renewed focus on accelerating these leases.
Shares of major US coal companies, such as Peabody and Core Natural Resources, saw a 9% increase following the announcement.
Also read: Trump to Fast-Track AI Power Stations Using Emergency Energy Powers
Uncertain Outlook Despite Policy Support
According to Reuters, despite Trump’s efforts to revive the coal industry, its future remains uncertain as many coal plants have closed due to cheaper energy alternatives and regulatory pressures.
Coal, the highest emitter of carbon dioxide among fossil fuels, significantly contributes to pollution-related health issues. The sector’s decline has largely been driven by environmental regulations, especially under Democratic leadership and President Biden.
US coal plants currently run at about 40% capacity, but supporters believe deregulation could improve their reliability. Industry leaders praised Trump’s new orders for prioritizing domestic coal, while environmental groups condemned the move, calling coal plants outdated and urging a shift toward modernizing the energy grid.
