SouthernWorldwide.com – The United States is set to increase its investment in coal, with President Trump reinforcing his commitment to boost the fossil fuel industry.
President Trump is anticipated to announce $700 million in funding for coal plants and energy infrastructure on Thursday. This announcement is scheduled to take place during an event in the Oval Office, which has been themed “Beautiful, Clean Coal.” The details of this plan were confirmed by a White House official and were initially reported by Bloomberg.
President Trump intends to utilize the Defense Production Act for this initiative. This Cold War-era legislation grants the U.S. president emergency authority over domestic industries. The funds will be allocated as follows: $75 million for a new coal export terminal in Oakland, California, and $425 million to support 13 existing plants located across 10 states. These states include West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Furthermore, the president is expected to reveal nearly $200 million in grants from the Department of Energy. These grants are designated for the construction of two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia. Additionally, funding will be provided to restart a coal plant in Maryland. The new facilities planned for Alaska and West Virginia would mark the first new coal plants constructed in the U.S. since 2013.
A White House official stated that this initiative is projected to generate thousands of jobs. These jobs would benefit miners, railroad workers, engineers, and construction workers. The administration also anticipates that the plan will result in $50 billion in savings for consumers through reduced energy generation costs.
President Trump has consistently advocated for the exploitation of U.S. fossil fuel resources. Since beginning his second term in 2025, he has taken steps to accelerate oil and mining projects. He has also worked to open new drilling sites and has reduced investment in renewable energy sources.
