President Donald Trump signed executive orders to bolster coal production in the United States, according to grassroots environmental organization the Sierra Club. The executive orders will aim to keep coal plants open past their scheduled retirement dates by invoking a law that allows the Department of Energy to compel power plants to temporarily remain operational.
Trump attempted a similar strategy during his first administration, but failed. Nearly 100 coal plants retired or announced retirements during Trump’s first term.
By extending the lifespan of coal-fired power plants that are already scheduled to retire and placing tariffs on renewable energy, Trump’s policies will raise monthly energy bills for everyday Americans, according to the Sierra Club. On average, renewable energy costs 30% less than coal for the same energy output.
The Sierra Club’s Out of Control: The Deadly Impact of Coal Plant Pollution report found that 300,000 lives are cut short every year because of soot pollution from coal plants. Polluted air is linked to higher asthma rates, respiratory illnesses, heart attacks and cancer, among other adverse health impacts.
