特朗普为何要“扶”美国“濒死”的煤炭业

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. President Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at revitalizing the coal industry, which has been in decline for decades, by allowing old coal power plants to continue operating to meet increasing electricity demands driven by technology advancements [1][2][3]. Group 1: Executive Orders and Intentions - Trump aims to "restore" the coal industry, claiming it is the best source of electricity [2]. - The executive orders will enable the use of emergency powers to keep some old coal plants operational, addressing the growing electricity demand from data centers, AI, and electric vehicles [2]. - Trump criticized the Democratic "Green New Deal," asserting it has stifled job opportunities and contributed to rising prices in the U.S. [2]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The U.S. coal industry has seen a significant decline, with coal accounting for nearly 50% of electricity in 2011, dropping to 15% last year [3]. - Analysts express skepticism about the feasibility of reviving the coal industry, citing outdated infrastructure and increasing operational costs as major barriers [4]. - The majority of coal power plants in the U.S. are aging, with many reaching their operational lifespan of around 50 years, leading to a lack of competitiveness and reliability [4]. Group 3: Expert Opinions - Experts from environmental organizations argue that Trump's efforts to revive the coal industry are misguided, emphasizing a shift towards natural gas and renewable energy investments [4]. - Analysts indicate that the likelihood of a large-scale recovery in the coal industry is low, as there has been no new coal power plant construction in over a decade [4].