This week, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders to breathe new life into the struggling coal industry, and these orders are set to dismantle Biden-era restrictions and elevate coal to a prominent status within the U.S. energy portfolio.

The executive orders signed by Trump are intended to rejuvenate the coal industry and undo burdensome recent regulations, but they also trigger strong opposition from advocates of clean energy and climate change action, as the Washington Times reports.

Executive orders signed by President Trump are designed to dismantle what he describes as "discriminatory policies" against coal.

These orders seek to end the existing ban on new coal leases on federal lands and promote coal as a vital mineral resource. The measures also instruct the Department of Justice to scrutinize state laws that might be targeting the coal industry unfairly.

Trump takes action on coal

In addition to regulatory changes, Trump's orders call for an increase in federal funding for advanced coal technology and extend the operation of key facilities such as the Cholla Power Plant.

This aligns with Trump's broader assumption of a national emergency declared for America's energy and critical minerals shortly after he took office.

During his first day in office, Trump declared a national emergency to secure critical minerals, including coal, for energy independence.

The orders align with his vision for a robust energy infrastructure to sustain economic growth. Trump argues the country needs to double its current electricity production to maintain leadership on the global stage.

Trump has repeatedly stated his goal to make America energy independent once again. As part of this initiative, the U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord under his leadership. Critics have claimed these decisions neglect the potential cost of climate change and the global shift toward renewable energy sources.

Critics raise concerns

Despite Trump's optimism about coal as an energy source, environmentalists are strongly contesting these orders. Julie McNamara, an outspoken critic, articulated concerns that relying on coal would disregard its high costs and negative impacts on public health.

According to McNamara, the move towards coal contradicts the ongoing transition to clean energy favored by the public for its economic and environmental benefits.

Trump is adamant, however, that coal represents a dependable energy option. "Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure, and powerful form of energy there is on earth today," he asserted. This confidence forms the backbone of his strategy to put coal back at center stage in America's energy framework.

Plans for future expansion of coal-related endeavors are already set for states such as Wyoming and West Virginia, where coal mines are a significant part of local economies.

Federal funding is also directed at research into next-generation coal technology to make coal mining cleaner and more efficient. This approach seeks to address some past concerns over coal's environmental footprint while attempting to uplift industry workers.

Navigating public perception challenges

Jeff Crowe, another coal industry proponent, shared his views on the skepticism surrounding coal. He emphasized that people often criticize coal from a lack of understanding, overlooking the technological advancements achieved in cleaner mining practices. However, the public discussion needs to address both technological improvements and environmental challenges.

For Trump, the executive orders are part of a promise to reduce political volatility's impact on business operations in energy sectors. "We’re going to give a guarantee that business will not be terminated by the ups and downs of the world of politics," he stated, promoting a stable operating environment for energy companies.

Despite these promises, the orders did not sit well with climate activists and environmental advocacy groups. They foresee potential regulatory changes impacting energy costs and public health, emphasizing how they believe a clean energy transition is more beneficial in the long term.

As the orders begin to take effect, their actual implications on the coal industry, environmental quality, and the broader energy market will continue to be the subject of intense debate. Proponents hope for a coal revival, while opponents remain focused on the risks posed to health and the environment.