U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting coal production, a move that challenges global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. These measures are part of Trump’s broader initiative to revitalize the coal industry and increase overall energy output in the U.S.
Coal’s contribution to U.S. electricity generation has drastically declined from 50% in 2000 to under 20% today, largely due to the growing dominance of natural gas and renewable energy sources, as reported by Reuters. Trump emphasized his commitment to restoring an industry that has seen significant job losses over the past decade, stating at the White House, “We are bringing back an industry that was abandoned.”
Since taking office, Trump has been working to dismantle energy and environmental regulations to fulfill campaign promises, and his push for coal resurgence comes amidst rising U.S. electricity demands driven by sectors like data centers, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrencies.
The executive orders include measures designed to prevent the closure of coal plants, with the use of the 1950 Defense Production Act to support coal production. The orders also direct Energy Secretary Chris Wright to explore classifying metallurgical coal as a “critical mineral,” which could invoke emergency powers to ramp up production. As part of the strategy, the Department of Energy has made $200 billion available in loans, including for the development of new coal technologies.
Additionally, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has been instructed to lift the moratorium on new coal leases on federal lands and expedite the processing of applications for royalty rate reductions for federal coal lessees.
However, the future of coal production remains uncertain, as many coal-burning plants continue to shut down due to the availability of cheaper alternatives and increasing regulatory pressure. Supporters of coal plants argue that deregulation could boost the grid’s reliability, but past attempts to subsidize coal plants under Trump’s administration were rejected by federal regulators in 2018.
National Mining Association President and CEO Rich Nolan expressed optimism about the new approach, stressing the strategic importance of U.S. coal. Meanwhile, environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council have criticized the plan, citing coal’s inefficiency and its environmental and health risks. Coal remains the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, linked to significant pollution and adverse health effects.
In a related move, in March 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior approved a federal mining plan modification for the Spring Creek coal mine in Big Horn County, Montana.