POLITICO Energy Inside Trump’s push to Make America Coal-powered Again
Apr 10, 2025
Catherine Morehouse, an energy reporter for POLITICO, delves into President Trump's recent executive orders aimed at revitalizing the struggling coal industry. They discuss the government's push for new coal production and plant preservation, despite the industry's decline in favor of cleaner energy sources like natural gas and solar. Morehouse also highlights the optimism within the coal sector as it adapts to shifting policies, alongside the critical implications of canceling significant climate change research funding.
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Trump's Coal Focus
- Trump champions coal power amidst the industry's decline, aligning with his broader focus on bolstering U.S.-based industries.
- However, utility companies are not investing in new coal plants, prioritizing other energy sources.
Coal's Decline
- Coal power's decline is largely due to cheaper natural gas, wind, and solar options, with no new coal plants built since 2013.
- Natural gas, a dominant fuel source since 2018, has significantly displaced coal in the U.S. energy mix.
Impact of Executive Orders
- The executive orders signal government support for coal, potentially influencing power plants to stay online amidst rising energy demands.
- However, this move likely won't reverse coal's long-term decline due to market forces favoring cheaper alternatives.