煤炭友好者？特朗普要这样重振美国煤炭业
Di Yi Cai Jing·2026-02-12 06:27

Core Viewpoint - The recent executive order signed by President Trump mandates the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase electricity from coal-fired power plants, which may lead to significant financial losses for electricity consumers, estimated to exceed $3 billion annually due to the continued operation of plants that were planned for retirement [1][6]. Group 1: Executive Order and Its Implications - President Trump signed an executive order on February 11, requiring the Department of Defense to enter long-term contracts with coal power plants for electricity supply to military facilities, emphasizing the importance of coal for national and economic security [2][4]. - The executive order does not specify the procurement amount but prioritizes coal in energy contracts, reflecting a shift in energy policy favoring coal over renewable sources [2][4]. Group 2: Financial Impact and Industry Response - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that coal will account for approximately 17% of the total electricity generation in the U.S. by 2025, down from about 50% in 2000 [4]. - The Department of Energy plans to allocate $175 million for projects aimed at extending the lifespan of coal power plants in rural areas, indicating a governmental push to sustain the coal industry [4]. - Experts have raised concerns that delaying the closure of high-cost coal plants will lead to increased energy bills for consumers without providing any benefits, as these plants were already slated for retirement due to their high operational costs [5][6]. Group 3: Environmental and Economic Concerns - Environmental advocates argue that the government's focus on coal profits over consumer costs will exacerbate air pollution and increase electricity prices, while hindering the adoption of cleaner energy solutions [7]. - A study by Energy Innovation indicates that 99% of coal plants have higher operating costs compared to renewable energy sources, suggesting that the continued operation of coal plants is economically unsustainable [7].