Trump administration moves to strengthen U.S. coal and energy security Image By EPN Staff Key Points The Trump administration is opening more federal land for coal mining and investing $625 million to modernize existing coal-fired power plants to enhance reliability and efficiency. The initiative aims to protect coal-dependent jobs and ensure grid stability as electricity demand rises, countering global efforts to phase out fossil fuels. The plan underscores a policy shift toward energy independence and economic resilience, emphasizing domestic production and grid reliability over emissions reduction mandates. The Trump administration announced a plan last month to open more federal land for coal mining while allocating $625 million to improve the efficiency and reliability of existing coal-fired power plants. The move aims to extend the role of coal in the U.S. energy mix and ensure reliable power supply as demand grows. Federal agencies are expected to coordinate with state governments and private operators to direct the funds toward modernization projects that reduce downtime, upgrade emissions technology, and support regional employment tied to the coal industry. Why it matters Coal remains a key economic pillar for several U.S. states – particularly in Appalachia and parts of the Midwest and West – with the vast majority of production coming from just five of 21 coal-producing states: Wyoming – 41% West Virginia – 14% Pennsylvania – 6.7% Illinois – 6.3% Kentucky – 4.8% The administration’s plan is designed to stabilize local economies that depend on coal extraction and power generation. Supporters argue the initiative will protect thousands of jobs, keep electricity prices affordable, and bolster grid reliability as demand for power continues to grow. For communities tied to coal, it offers immediate relief and a potential reinvestment in local infrastructure after years of economic strain and anti-coal policies. The bigger picture The announcement reflects the administration’s emphasis on energy independence, reliability, and economic resilience over costly long-term emissions mandates. It builds on recent regulatory rollbacks that ease environmental restrictions on fossil fuel producers, contrasting with international trends focused on decarbonization and rapid renewable expansion. By prioritizing coal’s role in the power grid, the administration signals a strategic commitment to domestic production and grid stability amid volatile global fuel markets and extreme weather risks. SUGGESTED STORIES Exclusive: Trump admin touts energy security, opportunity for workforce, states This is the third part of a three-part series from EPN’s exclusive interview with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. When President Donald Trump returned to office this year, his administration found the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserv Read more Coal’s prospects are turning brighter Domestic coal-fired plants should remain “relatively well-stocked through the end of next year,” the U.S. Energy Information Administration said recently. “We estimate power plants in the United States had 124 million short tons of coal on-site Read more The resilience of U.S. coal in the global market The United States still exports a significant amount of coal, reaching a six-year high in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In fact, U.S. coal exports have been increasing since 2020, when they took a dip during the pandemic, and nearly 40% of U.S. Read more
Exclusive: Trump admin touts energy security, opportunity for workforce, states This is the third part of a three-part series from EPN’s exclusive interview with U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. When President Donald Trump returned to office this year, his administration found the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserv Read more
Coal’s prospects are turning brighter Domestic coal-fired plants should remain “relatively well-stocked through the end of next year,” the U.S. Energy Information Administration said recently. “We estimate power plants in the United States had 124 million short tons of coal on-site Read more
The resilience of U.S. coal in the global market The United States still exports a significant amount of coal, reaching a six-year high in 2024, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In fact, U.S. coal exports have been increasing since 2020, when they took a dip during the pandemic, and nearly 40% of U.S. Read more
