US president to use emergency powers to support coal industry

President Donald Trump is set to take decisive action to support the struggling coal industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, with the signing of four executive orders on April 8.

The orders, aimed at providing federal backing to the coal sector, are expected to direct government agencies to implement measures designed to stabilize coal plants threatened with closure, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to sources, the executive orders will compel the Department of Energy (DOE) to invoke emergency powers under energy legislation, specifically Section 202 of the Federal Power Act, to prevent the shutdown of coal-fired power plants that are at risk of retirement. This intervention comes amid ongoing concerns about the financial viability of coal plants, many of which are struggling to compete with cheaper, cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables.

The move aligns with Trump’s longstanding campaign promises to revitalize the coal industry, a key sector in the nation’s energy landscape, and to preserve jobs within the industry. The president has frequently criticized environmental regulations imposed by the Democratic Party, particularly those targeting coal pollution, which he argues threaten American jobs and the economy.

The exact nature of the support the DOE will provide remains unclear, but experts anticipate that it could involve subsidies, tax incentives, or other forms of financial assistance to keep coal plants operational. The executive orders are also likely to instruct other federal agencies, including the Interior Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to take steps that will strengthen the coal industry’s position in the energy market.

However, the move is expected to face strong opposition from environmental groups, who argue that continued reliance on coal exacerbates air pollution, contributes to climate change, and undermines global efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources. Environmentalists have long campaigned against coal, highlighting its environmental impact, and may view the executive orders as a setback in the fight against climate change.

Trump’s actions to support the coal industry are part of a broader energy policy agenda that prioritizes fossil fuels, including coal, over renewable energy sources. While the administration has touted its efforts to boost domestic energy production, critics argue that this focus on fossil fuels undermines efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable energy system.

The signing of these executive orders is set to take place at a White House event on April 8, where Trump is expected to deliver remarks outlining the significance of the actions for the coal industry and the broader energy sector. 

By Vafa Guliyeva