• On Wednesday, a fossil-fuel lobbying group called the Washington Coal Club awarded President Trump a trophy that named him the “Undisputed Champion of Clean, Beautiful Coal.” Trump took advantage of the opportunity to take his latest shot at reviving the fortunes of the US’s most polluting source of electricity: anexecutive orderthat would make the military buy it. • Coal is the second most expensive source of power for the US grid, eclipsed by gas, wind, solar, hydro-everything other than nuclear power. • It also produces the most pollution, including particulates that damage human lungs, chemicals that contribute to acid rain, and coal ash that contains many toxic metals. • It also emits the most carbon dioxide per unit of energy produced. • Prior to Trump’s return to office, the US grid had been rapidly moving away from its use, including during his first term. • Despite the long-standing Republican claims to support free markets, the second Trump administration has determined that the only way to keep coal viable is direct government intervention.
Article Summaries:
- President Trump has issued an executive order directing the U.S. military to procure electricity from coal‑fired power plants, a move aimed at sustaining the coal industry amid a national shift toward cleaner energy. The order follows a trophy presentation from the Washington Coal Club, which dubbed Trump the “Undisputed Champion of Clean, Beautiful Coal.” Coal remains the second‑most expensive and most polluting source on the grid, and the administration’s earlier emergency declaration sought to keep plants slated for closure operational. The new directive faces legal challenges and criticism from environmental groups and lawmakers who argue it undermines progress toward reducing carbon emissions.
Sources: