The U.S. Department of Energy has announced the allocation of $100 million to modernize and refurbish coal-fired power plants, as part of President Donald Trump’s administration’s effort to revive the use of coal after years of decline in the United States.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that “the Biden and Obama administrations relentlessly targeted the American coal industry and its workers, leading to the closure of reliable power plants and higher electricity costs.” He added that President Trump has “ended the war on American coal” and is reinstating “sound energy policies that put Americans first.”
Wright explained that the new projects will help keep coal plants operational and ensure that the country continues to have access to reliable and affordable energy, securing the stability of future electricity supplies.
In September, the Department of Energy had already announced an additional $625 million to expand coal-based energy production and open 5.3 million hectares of public land for coal mining.
The number of coal plants in the U.S. has declined in recent years due to health and environmental concerns related to fossil fuels, as well as strong competition from cheaper natural gas.
The Trump administration believes that coal can play a vital role in providing the large amounts of energy needed to power data centers and support the expansion of artificial intelligence, while environmental advocates argue that such policies contradict global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Since taking office, President Trump has issued a series of executive orders to boost oil and gas production, roll back environmental protections, withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, and reverse environmental justice initiatives introduced by former President Joe Biden — measures that scientists warn will negatively affect the climate and environment both in the U.S. and abroad.
Trump is well known for his skepticism about climate change, describing it as a “hoax” designed to weaken the U.S. economy. He has repeatedly claimed that “climate scientists have a political agenda.” In April, Trump signed four executive orders aimed at reviving the coal industry, declaring that he would remove “unnecessary regulations targeting beautiful, clean coal” — a statement that provoked strong criticism from environmental activists.
