Trump's Energy Department Prevents Blackouts During Winter Storm Fern by Keeping Coal Plants Operational
The Energy Department kept five coal plants operational during Winter Storm Fern, generating 17 gigawatts of power and preventing a nationwide blackout. This move, facilitated by emergency orders, allowed the plants to exceed EPA regulations despite the Biden administration's proposed restrictions on coal. During the storm, coal and natural gas supplied 68% of the electricity, highlighting the critical role of coal amid rising winter electricity demand.
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The Energy Department announced that five coal plants remained operational during Winter Storm Fern, averting a nationwide blackout. These plants generated 17 gigawatts of power, sufficient to supply 30 million homes.
Emergency orders allowed power plants to exceed EPA regulations aimed at shutting them down. Wind and solar provided under 10% of power during the storm, while coal and natural gas accounted for 68%. The Biden administration's proposed regulations would have mandated carbon capture technology or plant closures by 2032, targeting 60% of the U.S. electricity supply.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warned of rising winter electricity demand, emphasizing coal's critical role during extreme weather. The operational coal plants included facilities in Colorado, Washington, Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, all previously slated for closure. Trump's administration aims to reverse policies that threaten energy reliability.
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