Trump's Coal Revival Orders Face Economic and Legal Hurdles

Executive orders aim to boost coal production, but experts and state officials question feasibility amid declining market demand and environmental challenges.

President Trump signed executive orders reclassifying coal as a mineral and directing federal agencies to promote its use, including for powering AI data centers.
Energy experts argue that coal's economic viability remains low due to competition from cheaper, cleaner energy sources like natural gas and renewables.
State officials, particularly in Colorado, challenge the legality of federal efforts to override state-level clean energy goals and emissions policies.
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis reports that restarting decommissioned coal plants is economically impractical due to high maintenance costs and aging infrastructure.
Despite federal support, coal's share in U.S. electricity generation continues to decline, with renewable energy sources and natural gas dominating the market.

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