Trump Signs Executive Orders to Bolster Coal Amid Renewable Energy Growth

President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Wednesday, April 8, 2025, with the stated aim of boosting the coal industry and domestic energy production. These orders focus on streamlining regulations and expediting coal mining leases on federal lands. Trump framed these actions as essential for national security, emphasizing the need for a reliable energy source to support industries like AI. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, coal accounted for approximately 16% of U.S. electricity generation in 2023, a significant decline from 50% two decades prior. Renewable energy sources contributed about 21% to the electricity mix. There have been no new coal plants built in the U.S. in over a decade. Industry groups such as the National Mining Association have welcomed Trump's executive orders. Conversely, Democrats and environmental organizations have voiced concerns, arguing that coal plants are becoming increasingly uncompetitive. Critics, like Kit Kennedy from the Natural Resources Defense Council, point to the unsuccessful attempts to revive the coal industry in the past.