U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration will allocate $700 million to support the American coal industry, a move that includes the construction of two new coal-fired power plants. This initiative marks the first time in over a decade that new coal plants will be built in the United States.

Utilizing Defense Legislation

To facilitate this investment, President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, a law dating back to the Cold War originally intended to accelerate industrial output during times of national necessity. The President emphasized the scope of the project, stating that the $700 million investment would serve to protect 14 existing coal power plants and 42 coal mines. In addition to the two new power stations, the plan includes the construction of an export terminal.

A Long-Standing Policy Goal

Revitalizing the declining U.S. coal sector has been a consistent priority for the Republican administration. The announcement at the White House was attended by governors and lawmakers from coal-rich states such as Wyoming and West Virginia, highlighting the regional importance of the industry.

While President Trump continues to advocate for “beautiful clean coal,” experts caution that coal remains a fossil fuel with a high carbon content. Environmental analysts point out that coal-fired power plants generate significantly more harmful pollutants and carbon dioxide—a primary driver of global warming—compared to natural gas plants, solar energy, and wind turbines.