President Donald Trump signed four executive orders Tuesday aimed at increasing coal production to address rising U.S. energy demands, especially in supporting the usage of electric vehicles, the expansion of data centers, and the advent of artificial intelligence.
“Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure, and powerful form of energy,” President Trump said.
The executive orders direct several federal departments and agencies to identify coal resources and assess impediments to mining coal, including ending a moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands. The action also seeks to promote coal and coal technology exports and accelerate the development of coal technologies.
The executive action orders federal departments and agencies to evaluate their policies and programs that limit coal production and electricity generation and eliminate those. It directs the Attorney General and the Department of Justice to investigate and stop the enforcement of state and local laws that limit energy production.
East Kentucky Power Cooperative President and CEO Tony Campbell spoke in support of the executive actions during the event. Noting that electric cooperatives provide electricity to 42 million Americans across 56% of the country’s landmass, Campbell thanked President Trump and his administration for their support of more energy resources to generate more affordable and reliable electricity to power growing communities, manufacturing, and data centers.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers released a statement on the executive orders:
“America’s energy demands are only increasing. I’m encouraged by President Trump’s executive orders on Unleashing American Energy. The incentive package now in place will allow Kentucky to take full advantage of an all-of-the-above energy approach once again, and provide for Kentucky’s growing energy demands right here in the commonwealth. Kentucky is uniquely positioned to rejuvenate and refurbish our existing coal-fired plants and get them operational quickly for maximum output. This is a ray of hope for our existing coal-fired plants, the eastern and western Kentucky minefields, and the hard-working Kentuckians seeking a second chance at coal for their livelihood. I’m pleased President Trump invited me to participate in this significant announcement and change in policy. I’m excited about the potential to expand Kentucky’s energy production and become a more aggressive energy exporter to states with even greater demand.”
Stay tuned to The Bottom Line for updates on federal issues.