Trump issues executive orders to revitalize coal industry amid rising energy demands

Department of Research, Studies and International News 04-09-2025

In a move that has sparked both political debate and environmental concerns, former President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at reviving the U.S. coal industry. The orders are framed as a response to increasing electricity consumption linked to the growth of data centers, artificial intelligence technologies, and electric vehicles. Trump’s plan focuses on preserving aging coal-fired power plants, many of which were slated for closure due to environmental regulations and declining profitability.

During a White House event on Tuesday, Trump unveiled four separate executive orders intended to roll back existing environmental policies and stimulate coal production. Flanked by coal miners wearing hard hats, he criticized past restrictions as being harmful to what he described as “beautiful, clean coal.” He promised to eliminate what he labeled as “government bias” against coal and fast-track permits for coal mining operations, particularly on federal lands.

Under the new directives, the administration will also invoke the Defense Production Act to prioritize coal mining as essential to national energy security. Trump argued that this measure is crucial for maintaining a reliable power grid in light of the growing demands of modern technologies.

The first of the four executive orders demands that all federal agencies eliminate policies that disadvantage the coal sector. This includes lifting the moratorium on coal leasing on public lands and accelerating funding approvals for coal-related infrastructure.

The second order suspends what Trump called “unscientific regulations” introduced during President Joe Biden’s term. These policies aimed to curb carbon emissions from existing coal power plants and were seen by environmental advocates as a key step toward transitioning the nation toward cleaner energy sources.

The third order focuses on the stability and resilience of the national power grid. It mandates that regulatory efforts prioritize energy security over what Trump disparagingly referred to as “woke” energy policies. According to the order, coal and other fossil fuels should not be marginalized in the name of environmental reforms.

The fourth directive tasks the Department of Justice with investigating policies from states that, according to Trump, unfairly penalize the coal industry. He described these state-level actions as “radically leftist” and claimed they violate constitutional principles.

Trump’s sweeping policy shift contrasts sharply with the environmental agenda of the Biden administration, which introduced ambitious climate regulations to significantly reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired plants. Last year, Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled measures that were projected to hasten the decline of the coal sector, already struggling to compete with more affordable and cleaner energy sources like wind, solar, and natural gas.

As part of his broader energy agenda, Trump also directed the Department of the Interior to formally end Obama-era policies that paused new coal leases on federal lands. The orders further advocate for the promotion of coal technology and the expansion of U.S. coal exports to international markets.

In remarks delivered remotely at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year, Trump reiterated his unwavering support for coal, stating, “Nothing can destroy coal. Not the weather, not a bomb, nothing,” and emphasized the vast coal reserves in the United States.

However, many energy analysts remain skeptical of coal’s long-term viability. Experts argue that even with government support, coal’s resurgence is unlikely due to economic pressures. Natural gas continues to be more cost-effective, and renewable energy is rapidly becoming the preferred option. According to projections from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 93% of new power capacity added to the grid this year will come from renewables, including solar, wind, and battery storage.

Environmental advocates were quick to criticize Trump’s orders, warning that they could have serious implications for public health, climate change, and energy affordability. Kit Kennedy, managing director of the Power Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, called the plan regressive. “Coal plants are outdated, expensive to operate, and increasingly unreliable,” she said. “This is a short-sighted attempt to cling to yesterday’s energy at the expense of building a resilient grid for the future.”

A 2023 report from Energy Innovation further highlighted coal’s economic challenges, revealing that 99% of operational coal facilities cost more to maintain than replacing them with renewable alternatives. The findings underscore the difficulty Trump may face in trying to restore coal’s prominence in the American energy landscape.

As debates over energy policy and climate action continue, Trump’s latest orders have reignited a fierce national conversation about the direction of U.S. energy production, environmental responsibility, and economic competitiveness.