Trump Orders Pentagon to Buy Electricity from Coal Plants in Bid to Revive Industry

Post by : Saif Nasser

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to purchase electricity generated from coal-fired power plants as part of a new policy aimed at supporting the country’s declining coal industry. The decision has sparked a wide debate across the United States about energy security, jobs, cost and environmental impact.

The order directs the Department of Defense to sign long-term agreements to buy power from coal plants that might otherwise shut down. The administration says this step will help keep critical power sources running and protect the reliability of the national energy system, especially for military bases and defense operations.

Coal was once the main source of electricity in the United States. For many years, it powered factories, cities and military facilities. But over the last two decades, coal use has dropped sharply. Natural gas, wind and solar energy have grown much faster because they are often cheaper and cleaner. Many coal plants have closed because they could not compete on price.

The White House says the new order is about national security and grid stability. Officials argue that coal plants can provide steady, nonstop electricity, unlike some renewable sources that depend on weather conditions. They say military facilities must always have dependable power and should not rely only on variable sources.

Along with the Pentagon purchase order, the administration has also moved to provide federal funding to upgrade several older coal plants. These upgrades are meant to keep the plants running longer and improve their equipment. Supporters say this will protect jobs in mining regions and help local economies that still depend on coal production.

In many coal-producing states, leaders welcomed the move. They say coal communities have struggled for years due to plant closures and job losses. For them, federal support offers breathing room and a chance to keep workers employed. They argue that energy policy should include traditional fuels as well as new ones.

However, many energy experts and environmental groups strongly disagree with the decision. They point out that coal produces more carbon emissions than other major power sources. Burning coal releases pollutants that can harm air quality and public health. These critics say encouraging coal use goes against global efforts to reduce pollution and slow climate change.

Some analysts also question the cost. Studies have shown that in many areas it is now cheaper to build new renewable energy plants than to keep old coal plants running. Critics warn that forcing government agencies to buy coal power could raise electricity costs for taxpayers over time.

There are also concerns about market fairness. Energy markets usually allow utilities to choose the lowest-cost power sources. Opponents say government orders that favor one industry can distort competition and slow innovation. They believe investment should instead focus on modern grids, storage technology and cleaner fuels.

Supporters of the order respond that energy diversity is important. They say depending too heavily on one or two sources — even renewable ones — can be risky. Having coal, gas, nuclear and renewables together, they argue, creates a stronger and more flexible system.

The Pentagon has not yet released full details on how much coal-generated electricity it will purchase or which plants will benefit most. More guidance is expected in the coming months as agencies begin to carry out the order.

The decision shows a clear divide in how leaders view the future of energy. One side stresses reliability, traditional industry and job protection. The other side focuses on cost, innovation and environmental safety. As the policy moves forward, lawmakers and regulators will likely continue to debate whether this step helps or harms the country’s long-term energy goals.