The Trump administration outlined a coordinated strategy to bolster the coal industry through a series of federal actions. This initiative comes amidst a significant decline in U.S. coal use since 2005, primarily due to increased competition from natural gas, wind, and solar power. The Department of the Interior announced plans to open 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal mining and to reduce the royalty rates paid by companies for coal extraction. Concurrently, the Department of Energy proposed an allocation of $625 million to upgrade existing coal-fired power plants across the country, aiming to extend their operational lifespans. Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency indicated it would repeal numerous regulations established by the Biden administration, which targeted carbon dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants from coal facilities. The EPA also stated its intention to revise a regulation limiting wastewater pollution from power plants, a measure the industry has considered financially impactful.
Source: www.nytimes.com