Trump announces plans to reopen hundreds of coal plants

President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen 'hundreds' of coal-fired power plants in the U.S., claiming that previous environmental regulations have hindered American energy production and allowed countries like China to gain an economic edge. His statements, made on Truth Social, emphasize a return to coal as 'beautiful' and 'clean,' despite significant scientific consensus on the environmental harm caused by coal burning, including its role in climate change. The announcement follows the recent federal approval for the expansion of the Spring Creek mine in Montana, which is expected to produce millions of tons of coal and support hundreds of jobs. Critics argue that while Trump’s approach may bolster coal production, it undermines efforts to address climate change and may face legal challenges against existing regulations. As the coal industry's share of U.S. power generation has dramatically declined, Trump's directive reflects a significant shift in energy policy aimed at reversing gains made in renewable energy and natural gas. The implications of this policy shift could resonate across environmental and energy sectors, as the Biden administration's recent regulatory framework aimed to limit coal production is reconsidered.