Trump Administration to Boost Coal-Fired Power Plants with Pentagon Contracts and Funding
President Donald Trump is set to announce plans to support US coal-fired power plants using government funding and Pentagon contracts. The initiative will involve Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth entering agreements to purchase electricity from coal plants for military operations. The move will utilize Cold War-era authorities under the Defense Production Act to protect national security.
Additionally, the Energy Department will distribute $175 million to upgrade six coal plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. This funding aims to improve the efficiency of these plants and extend their operations. Trump's support for coal is part of his efforts to revive the coal sector and address rising electricity demand.
Coal executives, miners, and energy industry leaders will visit the White House for the announcement. Trump's push for coal comes amidst efforts to delay the retirement of coal-fired power plants by the Tennessee Valley Authority and utilities seeking to keep coal plants operational. The president's support for coal is linked to his goal of winning an artificial intelligence race against China and addressing concerns about electricity costs.
Trump's advocacy for coal dates back to his 2016 campaign promises to revive the industry. Despite initial efforts to boost mining, challenges such as competition from natural gas and solar power have hindered progress. The administration's focus on coal includes measures to support domestic consumption and curtail federal backing for renewable energy projects.
The planned announcement mirrors a previous event where Trump signed measures to expand mining and coal consumption. The administration has also worked to roll back regulations that increased the cost of coal plant operations. The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to reverse a 2009 determination on greenhouse gas emissions this week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted Trump's emphasis on coal as a reliable and affordable energy source, especially during peak demand periods. The president will discuss how coal contributes to keeping electricity costs down across the country. Trump's support for coal is part of his broader energy strategy to promote domestic production and address economic concerns.