It looks like President Donald Trump is continuing his fight against green energy. The Trump administration said Monday it will open 13 million acres of federal lands for coal mining and provide $625 million to recommission or modernize coal-fired power plants as Trump continues his efforts to reverse the years-long decline in the U.S. coal industry.
“Everybody likes to say, ‘drill, baby, drill.’ I know that President Trump has another initiative for us, which is ‘mine, baby, mine,’” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said at a news conference Monday at Interior headquarters.
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and Energy Undersecretary Wells Griffith also spoke at the event. All three agencies signed orders boosting coal.
“By reducing the royalty rate for coal, increasing coal acres available for leasing and unlocking critical minerals from mine waste, we are strengthening our economy, protecting national security and ensuring that communities from Montana to Alabama benefit from good-paying jobs,” Burgum said.
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Zeldin called coal a reliable energy source that has supported American communities and economic growth for generations.
“Americans are suffering because the past administration attempted to apply heavy-handed regulations to coal and other forms of energy it deemed unfavorable,” he said.
Returning to coal and abandoning green energy could pose significant risks for the U.S. in the coming years, both environmentally and economically. Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and mercury when burned. This contributes heavily to climate change, air pollution, and associated health problems such as asthma and heart disease.
As global temperatures rise, the U.S. faces increased risks of extreme weather events like wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and flooding, all of which threaten communities, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Economically, coal is becoming less competitive. Renewable energy technologies like solar, wind, and battery storage have rapidly decreased in cost and are now often cheaper than coal-generated electricity. By abandoning green energy investments, the U.S. risks losing its leadership in clean technology innovation and job creation in emerging sectors. Many states and countries are setting ambitious climate goals, creating strong markets for renewable energy products and services. Ignoring this trend could make the U.S. economy less competitive globally.
“Subsidizing coal means propping up dirty, uncompetitive plants from last century – and saddling families with their high costs and pollution, said Ted Kelly, clean energy director for the Environmental Defense Fund. “We need modern, affordable clean energy solutions to power a modern economy, but the Trump administration wants to drag us back to a 1950s electric grid.’’
“It makes no sense to cut off your best, most affordable options while doubling down on the most expensive ones,” Kelly said.
Additionally, coal mining and burning have long-term social and environmental consequences, including habitat destruction and water pollution, impacting local communities. Investing in green energy not only reduces emissions but also promotes energy independence and resilience by diversifying the energy supply.
Returning to coal undermines efforts to tackle climate change, threatens public health, and risks economic setbacks. Prioritizing green energy is essential for a sustainable, prosperous future for the U.S.