Trump Administration to Revive Coal Industry Following Executive Order

FIRST ON FOX: In a significant policy shift, the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency are preparing to unveil a range of initiatives aimed at revitalizing the coal industry. This announcement comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s forthcoming executive order designed to rejuvenate America’s coal production.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright expressed the urgency of boosting energy supply. He stated that the American populace requires more energy, asserting that the Department of Energy’s actions will enhance the availability of affordable and reliable energy sources, including coal.

Wright highlighted coal’s vital role in ensuring continuous electricity generation that powers homes and businesses nationwide. He criticized past administrative policies that he believes have hindered this essential American industry. Under Trump’s leadership, he noted a commitment to reducing regulatory hurdles and restoring pragmatism in energy policy.

Executive Order Details

Trump’s executive order is anticipated to streamline regulations affecting the coal sector. Among its key directives, it will instruct the National Energy Dominance Council to classify coal as a mineral and lift the current pause on coal leasing on federal lands. Furthermore, the order aims to promote the export of coal and related technologies and encourage coal utilization for artificial intelligence projects.

The Departments of Energy, the Interior, and the EPA plan to take complementary actions in support of the executive order. Notably, they will abolish the moratorium on federal coal leasing and alleviate regulatory constraints impacting coal mines, as outlined in a press release obtained ahead of the announcement.

“The Golden Age is here, and we are starting to ‘Mine, Baby, Mine’ for clean American coal,” declared Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. He emphasized the administration’s focus on unlocking America’s energy potential, aiming to enhance economic growth while demonstrating the efficacy of American natural resources and innovation.

Addressing Regulatory Barriers

The Interior Department indicated its commitment to expanding access to coal reserves and simplifying the permitting process. This approach seeks to dismantle longstanding regulatory barriers that have restricted coal production in the United States.

According to the department’s statement, these initiatives are designed to promote high-paying mining jobs and invigorate rural economies. Ultimately, they aim to enhance U.S. energy independence by minimizing reliance on foreign energy sources. The administration views coal as a pivotal element of a secure, stable, and diverse energy portfolio.

Strengthening Coal Innovation

Wright is also set to reveal five key initiatives to bolster coal innovation and mineral independence. These initiatives encompass the reinstatement of the National Coal Council, which had its charter expire in 2021 under Biden’s administration. The council is instrumental in guiding governmental strategies concerning coal technologies and markets.

Once reinstated, the National Coal Council will comprise representatives from coal production, usage, equipment supply, state and local government, and other industry stakeholders. This collaborative effort aims to foster investment in coal-powered electricity generation and recognizes the designation of steelmaking coal as a critical material and mineral.

The Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program is expected to make significant financing—up to $200 billion—available for coal energy investments. This funding will support upgrades to existing energy infrastructure and the construction of new facilities that capitalize on legacy energy systems.

Focus on Critical Minerals

In conjunction with these initiatives, the Department of Energy intends to advocate for the classification of coal, specifically in the context of steel-making, as a critical material. This designation is set to be highlighted in the 2025 Critical Materials Assessment, aiming to secure the United States’ supply of steelmaking coal for future years.

By prioritizing the extraction of critical minerals from coal ash, the DOE also seeks to reduce American reliance on foreign sources for these vital materials. The Energy Department wants to emphasize coal’s role in bolstering national security and economic stability.

EPA Initiatives

Parallel to these actions, the EPA will introduce $5.8 million in grants to assist states with implementing EPA-approved Coal Combustion Residual programs. These efforts coincide with the EPA’s prior actions, which include re-evaluating the Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan and adjusting coal regulations.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin remarked that Trump is following through on the mandate given to him by American voters. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to harnessing various domestic energy resources to decrease energy costs, increase supply, and ensure the security of the electric grid.

The Vision for Energy Independence

Trump’s longstanding commitment to domestic energy production remains a cornerstone of his policy agenda. He has pledged to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil by revitalizing the coal industry and harnessing the nation’s natural resources effectively. In a recent statement, Trump affirmed the importance of embracing a diverse energy portfolio, including clean coal and nuclear power, to achieve energy independence.

The anticipated executive order seeks to build on Trump’s promise of making America energy independent while prioritizing lower energy costs for citizens. This policy direction follows a series of actions aimed at dismantling what Trump terms as restrictive regulations from the previous administration, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and reversing limitations on liquefied natural gas exports.

Embracing Multiple Energy Sources

Amidst changing energy dynamics, the administration asserts that it remains committed to supporting all forms of energy, including coal, to ensure affordability and environmental stewardship. Efforts are underway to make energy costs manageable while achieving environmental goals and maintaining the U.S.’s position in the global energy landscape.

As Trump’s administration moves forward with these initiatives, the focus will be on balancing economic growth with sustainable energy practices, potentially positioning the U.S. as a leader in both energy production and environmental responsibility.