On Wednesday, President Trump was honored by the Washington Coal Club, a fossil-fuel lobbying organization, with a trophy naming him as the āUndisputed Champion of Clean, Beautiful Coal.ā Taking this opportunity, Trump announced his latest initiative to revive coal as a key electricity source in the US by issuing an executive order that mandates military procurement of coal.
Currently, coal ranks as the second most expensive energy source in the US grid, surpassed by more affordable options such as gas, wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, leaving only nuclear more costly. Furthermore, coal is the leading pollutant among energy sources, releasing hazardous particulates, contributing to acid rain, and producing coal ash laden with toxic metals. It is also the highest emitter of carbon dioxide for the energy it generates. Before Trump's return to office, advancements had been rapidly steering the US away from reliance on coal, a trend that persisted even during his first tenure.
Despite the Republican party's traditional advocacy for free market principles, Trumpās second administration has resolved that sustaining coalās viability necessitates direct governmental intervention. Early strategies involved declaring an energy emergency to prevent scheduled closures of coal plants. This declaration rested on a questionable interpretation of the Federal Power Act, which has led to legal challenges against the administration's actions.