On the 8th, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at revitalizing the coal industry in the United States. At the ‘American Energy Revitalization Executive Order Signing Ceremony’ held at the White House, President Trump signed four executive orders designed to support the coal sector.
The executive orders include measures to halt discriminatory policies against the coal industry within all federal government departments and agencies. Additionally, they aim to increase permits and funding for new coal projects, prevent the closure of coal-fired power plants under regulations from the former Joe Biden administration, and stabilize the power grid through coal power generation. The orders also direct the Department of Justice to investigate policies that may discriminate against coal mining and power generation in some Democratic-controlled states.
A particularly notable provision is the use of the defence Production Act to promote coal mining. In his speech, President Trump emphasized the benefits of coal, calling it “the most reliable, durable, safe, and powerful energy source.” He described coal as “cheap, efficient, and virtually indestructible” and reiterated, “We will continue to utilize affordable American energy, including beautiful, clean coal.”
Trump further stated, “Our country is blessed with the most abundant natural resources on Earth. We will use these resources very responsibly,” and expressed confidence that coal mining could extract significant amounts of critical minerals and rare earth elements necessary for advanced technologies.
Regarding global warming, President Trump downplayed concerns, saying, “You don’t have to worry about it. The seas are going to rise about a quarter of an inch in the next 500 to 600 years, and you’re going to have a little more real estate on the waterfront.”
Dozens of coal miners attended the event, standing behind President Trump as he delivered his speech and signed the executive orders.
In his speech, President Trump also touched on his tariff policy, claiming, “We’re making almost $2 billion a day from tariffs,” a figure that aligns closely with his earlier statement about generating $600 billion to $1 trillion annually from tariff revenue. He also discussed trade negotiations, describing them as “tailored, not off the rack,” and mentioned that Japan and South Korea were in talks with the U.S. at the time.