Trump promotes 'clean' coal despite environmental concerns

President Donald Trump has recently pushed for increased coal production in the U.S., claiming that it can be "clean." He announced this initiative on Truth Social, stating he would authorize his administration to produce "BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL." Trump's comments come after his administration revealed plans to roll back many Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. These changes are being called the largest deregulatory effort in U.S. history. Some actions specifically target rules that limit coal emissions and pollution. The previous administration's "Clean Power Plan 2.0" aimed to reduce toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants. This plan set strict standards on pollutants like mercury and required better management of coal ash. During his campaign, Trump expressed support for expanding coal to meet America’s energy demands. While the U.S. has abundant coal resources, experts say it still produces harmful emissions. Coal is considered a fossil fuel that releases carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. It can also cause health problems, such as respiratory issues and smog. Experts argue that while certain technologies may improve coal's cleanliness, burning coal can never be completely "clean." Michelle Solomon, a senior policy analyst, emphasized that coal still releases a significant amount of greenhouse gases, and pollution from coal ash remains a concern. Currently, only a few carbon capture facilities operate in the U.S., and none are at coal power plants. In fact, the latest data shows that coal usage has declined significantly in favor of natural gas and renewable energy sources, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.