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Trump Moves to Boost Coal for Military Power
Clear Facts
- President Trump signed an executive order linking the coal industry to national defense through long-term military power contracts.
- The Department of War will secure electricity from coal plants for bases and mission-critical facilities under this plan.
- The administration’s goal is to strengthen grid reliability and national security while supporting domestic coal producers.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to make coal a foundation for the nation’s military energy supply, emphasizing its strategic importance for defense.
He signed an executive order directing the Department of War to enter into long-term agreements with coal-fired power plants, aiming to guarantee reliable power for critical military installations.
“That’s why I’m also pleased to announce that, in just a moment, I will sign an executive order that directs the Department of War to work directly with coal plants on the new power purchasing agreements, ensuring that we have more reliable power and stronger and more resilient grid power,” Trump said.
The order highlights coal’s critical role in both the economy and national security.
It tasks the Secretary of War, with the Secretary of Energy, to arrange electricity supplies for the military from the U.S. coal fleet via long-term contracts.
Trump stated the military’s coal purchases will rise significantly and predicted this approach will be more efficient than past energy sources.
“We’re going to be buying a lot of coal through the military now, and it’s going to be less expensive and actually much more effective than what we have been using for many, many years,” he said.
He described the plan as a way to save costs and secure uninterrupted energy for defense operations.
Officials say these contracts will provide stable demand for coal producers, safeguarding military sites from blackouts as energy demand grows.
The administration previously declared a national energy emergency to keep coal plants running, underscoring the need for reliable baseload power as data center and manufacturing demands climb.
The Department of Energy also reaffirmed the commitment to coal to maintain American energy strength and minimize regulatory obstacles for coal-fired electricity.
The importance of fossil fuels was evident during January’s Winter Storm Fern, where oil and coal supported the grid through severe conditions.
Stay informed as the Trump administration pursues policies aimed at energy security and reinforcing American industries.
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