Trump Administration Opens 13 Million Federal Acres, Earmarks $625 Million to Revive U.S. Coal Industry

The Trump administration has announced plans to open 13.1 million acres of federal lands for coal mining and allocate $625 million to modernize and support coal-fired power plants, aiming to revive the declining U.S. coal industry. This initiative follows President Trump's executive orders to reverse environmental regulations and promote coal as a reliable energy source amid rising electricity demand driven by sectors like data centers and artificial intelligence. The administration's efforts include reducing coal royalty rates, streamlining coal leasing reviews, and extending the operation of fossil-fueled power plants beyond planned retirements. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to delay Biden-era pollution standards on power plants, potentially weakening regulations that would reduce harmful emissions such as mercury and arsenic. These moves have been criticized by environmental groups who warn of negative health and environmental impacts, as coal use has significantly declined over recent decades, replaced largely by natural gas and renewables. Proponents argue that coal remains essential for energy reliability and national security, especially in rural areas and in support of the growing AI industry.