Trump to Direct Defense Department to Purchase Electricity from Coal Plants
President Trump will announce an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants, as part of efforts to support the coal industry. The order allows the Defense Department to enter agreements with coal plants.
Concurrently, the Department of Energy will distribute $175 million to upgrade six coal facilities. Critics warn that this initiative conflicts with energy security recommendations, which favor renewable energy sources over coal.
The administration aims to leverage Cold War-era authorities under the Defense Production Act. Trump's announcement follows a history of support for the coal sector and aligns with aspirations to manage rising electricity costs amid increasing demand.
