Trump's support won't solve coal's long-term decline

The US coal industry is receiving new support from the White House, but it still faces tough challenges for its future. President Donald Trump recently praised "BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL" on social media and his administration is looking into using emergency powers to restart closed coal plants. There has been an increase in power demand, especially from data centers, which might lead to a short-term rise in coal use. Some power companies are even considering keeping older coal plants running longer. However, experts warn that the coal industry is facing long-term decline due to several factors. The proportion of electricity generated by coal has dropped significantly over the years. In 2024, coal accounted for about 15% of US electricity, down from over 50% in 2001. Costs have risen due to stricter regulations, and many banks are no longer willing to finance coal projects. While Trump’s administration may try to slow the closure of coal plants, restarting these facilities would require significant investment and there are concerns about labor shortages and transportation issues. Despite these hurdles, some companies are extending the life of their coal plants to meet current energy demands. Globally, coal demand is growing in countries like India and China. Meanwhile, Japan is also reconsidering its coal use strategy. In the US, there is uncertainty about the future, especially if a climate-focused leader takes office in 2029. Industry support for coal revival is mixed, with some groups preferring natural gas or other energy sources.