President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the Pentagon to purchase electricity from coal-fired plants to support the declining fossil fuel industry amid climate change concerns. The order emphasizes the strategic use of coal energy and includes a $175 million investment for upgrading six coal plants in several states. Despite coal’s decreased competitiveness against natural gas and renewables, Trump continues to advocate for “clean coal” as vital for US manufacturing and energy independence. Additionally, recent decisions by the Tennessee Valley Authority reflect this push to prolong the life of coal plants.
