Trump allocates $700 million to revive US coal industry using Cold War law
On June 4-5, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced nearly $700 million in funding under the Defense Production Act to support coal plants, mines, and a new export terminal in California. The investment aims to keep over a dozen plants and 42 mines operational, build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia, and boost energy security for AI data centers. Critics condemn the move as a climate setback, while Trump frames it as a cost-of-living measure.
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Trump commits $700 million to prop up coal industry
President Donald Trump announced over $700 million in funding to revive the struggling U.S. coal industry, invoking the 1950 Defense Production Act. The funds will reopen one coal-fired power plant, extend the life of 13 others, subsidize coal mining and export operations, and build the first two new coal-burning plants since 2013. The money had originally been allocated by Congress for clean energy technologies. Energy experts criticized the subsidies as economically irrational, noting coal is one of the least economic power sources. The Washington Post reported that half a dozen coal plants kept open via emergency orders have cost ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Concurrently, Trump has blocked wind and solar projects and ended clean energy tax credits. Analysts noted the investments could be reversed by a future president cracking down on coal.
TheWeek feedTrump commits $700 million to revive coal industry using Defense Production Act
President Donald Trump announced over $700 million in funding to revive the struggling U.S. coal industry, invoking the 1950 Defense Production Act. The funds will reopen one coal-fired power plant, extend the life of 13 others, subsidize coal mining and export operations, and build the first two new coal-burning plants since 2013. The money was originally allocated by Congress for clean energy technologies. Energy experts criticized the subsidies as economically irrational, noting coal is one of the least economic power sources. Trump has concurrently blocked wind and solar projects and ended clean energy tax credits. Analysts warned the investments could be reversed by a future president cracking down on coal.
TheWeek feedTrump commits $700 million to prop up coal industry
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration is investing over $700 million to revive the struggling coal industry. The funds, allocated by Congress for clean energy technologies, will reopen one coal-fired power plant, extend the life of 13 others, subsidize coal mining and export operations, and build the first two new coal-burning plants since 2013. Trump invoked the 1950 Defense Production Act to intervene in the market. Energy experts criticized the subsidies as economically irrational, noting that burning coal is one of the least economic power generation methods. The Washington Post reported that the half-dozen coal plants kept open through emergency orders have cost ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Concurrently, Trump has clamped down on renewable energy by blocking wind and solar projects and ending clean energy tax credits. Analysts noted the investments could be reversed by a future president cracking down on the coal sector.
TheWeek feedTrump to Use Cold War Law to Provide $700 Million for Coal Industry
US President Donald Trump announced plans to use the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law, to allocate nearly $700 million to support the coal industry. The funds will modernize over a dozen existing coal-fired power plants, finance construction of two new plants, and build an export terminal on the West Coast. The administration justifies the move as a national security measure to meet high electricity demands from AI data centers and reduce foreign energy dependence. The National Mining Association praised the decision, while environmental group Sierra Club criticized it as a tax-funded subsidy for a polluting industry and pledged to sue. The article notes coal's declining role in US electricity generation, from over 50% in 1990 to under 20% currently, and a shrinking coal workforce despite Trump's previous deregulation efforts.
taz.de - taz.deTrump invokes Cold War law to provide $700 million for coal industry
US President Donald Trump announced on June 5, 2026, that he will use the Defense Production Act, a Cold War-era law, to provide nearly $700 million to support the coal industry. The funds will modernize over a dozen coal-fired power plants, finance construction of two new plants, and build an export terminal on the West Coast. The administration justifies the move as a national security measure to meet high electricity demand from AI data centers and reduce foreign dependence. The National Mining Association praised the decision, while the Sierra Club environmental group condemned it as a tax-funded subsidy for a harmful industry and announced plans to sue. The article notes coal's declining role in US electricity generation, falling from over 50% in 1990 to under 20% today, and that Trump has not reversed the industry's job losses despite deregulation.
taz.de - taz.deTrump Announces $700 Million Investment in Coal Industry, Plans New Power Plants
US President Donald Trump has announced a $700 million funding program to strengthen the domestic coal industry, including building two new coal-fired power plants, maintaining a dozen existing facilities and 42 coal mines, and constructing a container port north of San Francisco for exports. Trump invoked the Cold War-era Defense Production Act of 1950 to justify the investment, claiming it will secure over 14,000 jobs, mostly in states he won in the 2024 election. He also criticized European wind energy expansion and reiterated his claim that climate protection is a 'fraud'. Critics view the move as a setback for climate protection, as coal is a major source of CO2 emissions. The announcement follows earlier executive orders in April 2025 aimed at reviving coal mining, with the administration citing increased energy demand from AI data centers. Coal's share of US energy generation had fallen to 15% by 2024.
Nachrichten - WELTDonald Trump Revives US Coal Industry with $700 Million Investment
On June 4, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced a $700 million investment in the coal industry, aiming to modernize existing mines and coal-fired power plants, build two new plants in West Virginia and Alaska, and construct a coal export terminal in Oakland, California. Trump framed the move as essential for grid reliability and low electricity prices, touting 'clean coal' technology. The announcement drew sharp criticism from Democratic opponents, who called it a subsidy for polluters during an energy crisis exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Coal accounted for 9% of US energy in 2025, and the US was the only major economy to increase coal consumption that year, reversing a long-term decline. Environmentalists highlight coal's role in greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Trump announces $700 million funding for coal plants and energy infrastructure
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on June 4, 2026, that he is using Cold War-era Defence Production Act legislation to allocate $700 million for coal plants, mines, and an export terminal. The funding will keep over a dozen coal plants in ten states and 42 mines operational, build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia, and construct a coal export terminal in California with a capacity of 12 million tons. Trump stated the move aims to lower energy prices and the cost of living for Americans, calling coal 'clean, beautiful coal.' The announcement redirects $200 million from climate change projects. Trump, who calls climate change a 'hoax,' has rolled back environmental regulations since returning to power. The UN warns that global temperatures will remain at or near record levels, citing coal, oil, and gas as the main drivers of climate change.
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