President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase electricity from coal‑fired power plants, a move aimed at supporting the struggling coal industry and ensuring reliable power for military installations. The order does not specify the amount of electricity to be bought or the cost of the contracts.
As part of the initiative, the Department of Energy will allocate $175 million to upgrade six coal plants in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. The administration says the investment will extend plant operations, strengthen the electricity grid, and provide baseload power for Pentagon facilities.
Speaking at the White House, Trump highlighted coal as a critical source of energy for national security and praised coal miners and plant workers. Officials said the policy is intended to safeguard military installations against power disruptions, particularly in extreme weather or emergency situations.
Coal’s share of U.S. electricity generation has declined sharply in recent years, overtaken by natural gas and renewables. Critics argue that the Pentagon directive could raise costs for taxpayers and slow the transition to cleaner energy. Environmental groups have condemned the policy, warning it undermines U.S. climate goals, and several utilities and state attorneys general are expected to challenge the move in court.
Analysts also noted that the order could benefit coal producers, as stock prices for major U.S. coal companies rose following the announcement. The administration’s move comes amid broader efforts to roll back environmental regulations and keep older coal plants online.