Trump Fires Up Coal: The Return of Black Gold

What Happened

On April 8, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to revive and expand the U.S. coal industry. The order directs federal agencies to identify coal-rich federal lands, streamline leasing, and remove barriers to production.

It also amends Executive Order 14241 to classify coal as a mineral, which should expand its eligibility for federal support. The order further promotes coal exports and encourages building coal-powered infrastructure to support power-intensive sectors like AI and data centers.

Trump framed the order as part of a broader push to restore American energy dominance and protect coal jobs. During the announcement, Trump said, 'We're ending Joe Biden's war on beautiful, clean coal once and for all,' and doubled down: 'This is about energy freedom, good-paying jobs, and making America strong again.'

This is likely in reference to the Biden administration's tough stance on the coal industry during his term. They implemented policies that imposed stricter regulations on the coal industry, aiming to reduce pollution and combat climate change. Many saw this as a 'war on coal.'

Why It Matters

Coal has long been a focal point in America's energy debate. While it once powered the majority of the country's electricity, it has steadily been declining due to cheaper alternatives like natural gas and renewable energy growth, as well as growing concerns over pollution.

This executive order marks a sharp policy shift, reversing many Obama- and Biden-era efforts that aimed to phase out coal in favor of cleaner alternatives. By choosing to classify coal as a mineral, Trump’s administration can now fast-track projects and open new funding avenues for coal infrastructure. This mirrors how federal support has been given for rare earth elements and critical materials.

The order also highlights Trump’s goal to boost U.S. energy exports, especially to countries with rising energy demand that still rely heavily on coal. By positioning coal as both a domestic and international asset, Trump is tying energy policy to bigger economic and geopolitical goals.

How It Affects People

In states that are heavily reliant on coal for their local economies, such as West Virginia, Wyoming, and parts of Pennsylvania, this move will protect jobs, and very likely even create some. It also makes it clear to coal companies and their workers that federal support for their industry is back. This could spur investment and slow the decline of the local communities and their economies which are tied to mining.

Consumers might see some minor changes too. In regions where coal still plays a big role in power generation, electricity prices could drop or stabilize if coal production increases. The administration also argues that powering AI infrastructure with coal will prevent power shortages and keep tech industries growing.

Under Trump’s directive, coal is back in the national spotlight. Supporters see it as a win for energy independence, economic growth, and a return to reliable, abundant power. It also represents a big change in national priorities, aligning with the Trump administration's 'America First' agenda.

It emphasizes traditional energy sources, creating job opportunities in blue-collar industries, and maintaining critical infrastructure up as energy demand rises – especially from sectors like AI and manufacturing.

Whether this order leads to a lasting energy revival or encounters resistance from other market forces remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the coal industry is no longer being pushed aside. Under Trump, it’s being placed back at the center of America’s energy conversation.