President Donald Trump signed executive orders on April 8, 2025, aimed at expanding the mining and use of coal in the United States to support the growing energy demands of data centres and the artificial intelligence sector. The orders direct federal agencies to repeal regulations that hinder coal production, open new federal lands for coal mining, and explore the use of coal-fired power plants to power AI data centres.

• Repeal Regulations: The orders direct federal agencies to repeal any regulations that discriminate against coal production.
• Open Federal Lands: New federal lands will be opened for coal mining, and the Obama-era moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands will be lifted.
• Support Coal Plants: Older coal-fired power plants set for retirement will be allowed to continue producing electricity to meet rising power demand.
• Emergency Powers: The Energy Department is directed to develop a process for using emergency powers to prevent unprofitable coal plants from shutting down to avert potential power outages.
• Boost Exports: The orders also aim to accelerate the export of U.S. coal and related technologies.

These actions are part of Trump’s broader effort to revitalise the U.S. coal industry, which has been in decline for decades. However, the effectiveness of these measures in achieving a significant revival of the coal industry remains uncertain and could face legal challenges.

Speaking of the U.S. coal industry, you might be interested in learning more about the **history of coal mining in the United States** here. Additionally, exploring the **impact of coal on the environment** here can provide valuable context for understanding the broader implications of these policy changes.