Trump Gives New Boost to a Faltering Coal Sector

Energy Department orders two plants to stay online

The U.S. Department of Energy has stepped in to keep two coal‑fired power stations operating, despite a nationwide trend of plant closures. Officials say the move is intended to preserve jobs and maintain grid reliability in regions that still rely heavily on coal‑generated electricity. The decision follows intense lobbying from state leaders and industry groups who argue that an abrupt shutdown would destabilize local economies.

EPA grants utilities extra time to address coal‑ash hazards

The Environmental Protection Agency announced an extension of the compliance deadline for utilities tasked with cleaning up toxic coal ash. The agency now allows an additional three years for plants to develop and implement plans to remove or contain the hazardous material that can leach into groundwater and surface streams. While environmental advocates remain concerned about the health risks, the EPA says the extra time will enable a more thorough and cost‑effective remediation process.

Implications for the energy landscape

These paired actions signal a temporary reprieve for a sector that has been under pressure from market forces and regulatory scrutiny. Critics argue that the measures could delay the transition to cleaner energy sources, while supporters contend that they provide a necessary safety net for workers and communities still dependent on coal. The coming months will reveal whether these lifelines translate into longer‑term stability or merely postpone an inevitable shift away from coal.