President Trump has signed a new executive order with the goal of supporting the coal industry in the United States.

In an effort to bolster the country’s declining coal industry, President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order. These decisions will relax restrictions on coal mining, leasing, and exports. Trump announced the executive order on stage with coal miners, emphasizing “Beautiful, clean coal” in his remarks. CLOSURE-PLANNED COAL POWER PLANTS TO REMAIN OPEN

Under the new regulations, some coal power plants that were slated for closure will remain open, coal leasing on public lands will resume, and the Department of Energy will be instructed to study how coal power plants can meet the increasing electricity demand fueled by artificial intelligence. COAL SECTOR IN DECLINE

The coal sector in the US has been experiencing a prolonged decline. In 2010, about 45% of the country’s electricity generation came from coal, but this figure dropped to 16% by 2023. The rise of renewable energy sources like solar and wind has significantly reduced reliance on coal. According to a study by Yale University, two-thirds of Americans support a transition to completely clean energy sources like coal by 2050. Meanwhile, 74% of participants are in favor of regulating carbon dioxide as a pollutant. Last week, alongside mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Trump administration also shuttered some units overseeing the safety of mining workers. Environmentalists have strongly criticized Trump’s decisions. Gina McCarthy, former White House Climate Advisor during the Obama administration, expressed concerns about the executive order, stating that “There is no such thing as clean coal. Trump’s policies are costing the American people dearly, and taxpayers’ money is being spent to support a dirty industry.” She deemed the decision as dangerous for both the climate and public health.