In a bid to support the declining coal industry, President Trump has signed executive orders aimed at boosting coal production in the U.S. The measures included extending the operation of aging coal-fired power plants, lifting restrictions on coal mining, and prioritizing coal leasing on federal lands. Trump also granted a two-year exemption from federal emission reduction requirements for coal plants and called for advancements in coal technology to enhance global competitiveness.
While industry leaders praised the move for prioritizing energy reliability, environmental groups and Democratic officials criticized it as a setback to climate change efforts and an overreach of federal authority. Experts suggest that despite these efforts, coal’s long-term decline is likely to continue as renewable energy and natural gas remain more cost-effective alternatives.