Executive Order to Boost Coal Usage

In a controversial move that underscores the shifting dynamics of U.S. energy policy, former President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order designed to revive coal mining and broaden its usage across the country. The order specifically targets the energy demands of data centers, a rapidly expanding industry segment increasingly scrutinized for its massive electricity consumption.

According to sources familiar with the draft directive, the executive order would roll back several existing environmental restrictions and streamline permitting processes for new and existing coal operations. It also proposes incentives for utilities that increase their reliance on coal-fired power, particularly in regions where data center development is booming.

Trump and his advisers argue that coal provides a stable, domestic source of baseload energy that can complement the 24/7 power requirements of data centers, which often demand uninterrupted and redundant energy supplies. Advocates of the order claim it will create jobs, strengthen national energy independence, and reduce the risk of blackouts in tech-heavy corridors such as Northern Virginia and parts of Texas.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, climate scientists, and several state governments. Critics argue that the policy undermines decades of progress in reducing carbon emissions and runs counter to global decarbonization goals. They also point to the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy sources, which have demonstrated cost parity—or superiority—in many U.S. markets.

Industry insiders are split. While some utilities and mining companies have expressed support, major tech firms that operate data centers, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have reaffirmed their commitments to renewable energy. Several companies have indicated that they will not purchase power from coal-based sources, potentially creating a disconnect between supply and market demand.

Economists warn that the executive order could introduce new regulatory and financial risks. “Subsidizing a declining industry while the global market is pivoting toward clean energy may have long-term economic consequences,” said a policy expert at the Brookings Institution. “It’s a policy that appeals politically, but economically it may prove unsustainable.”

The broader implications extend to U.S. credibility in international climate negotiations. At a time when most developed economies are phasing out coal and investing heavily in renewables and grid modernization, the Trump administration’s support for coal could alienate key allies and investors committed to ESG principles.

Whether the executive order has tangible long-term effects remains to be seen. However, it clearly marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over how to balance energy security, economic growth, and environmental responsibility in the digital age.