Executive Order: Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241
This Executive Order establishes coal as a critical resource for America's economic prosperity and national security. The order characterizes coal as "abundant and cost effective" and positions it as essential for meeting growing electricity demands, particularly from artificial intelligence data centers and the resurgence of domestic manufacturing. According to the order, America's coal resources are valued in the trillions of dollars and are portrayed as capable of substantially contributing to energy independence while creating high-paying jobs. The order represents a significant policy shift by prioritizing coal production and use after years of regulatory policies aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The order implements several specific mechanisms to promote coal production and use. It designates coal as a "mineral" under Executive Order 14241, thereby granting it the benefits accorded to critical minerals. It directs the Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture, and Energy to produce a report within 60 days identifying coal resources on federal lands and addressing impediments to mining. The order terminates the "Jewell Moratorium" on coal leasing and requires agencies to identify and revise or rescind regulations that discourage coal production within 60 days. Additionally, it instructs relevant agencies to end policies that discourage investment in coal, including the 2021 U.S. Treasury Fossil Fuel Energy Guidance for Multilateral Development Banks, and directs the development of categorical exclusions to streamline environmental reviews for coal projects.
The implementation of this order involves coordination across multiple federal agencies, with primary responsibilities assigned to the Departments of Interior, Energy, and Agriculture. The Secretary of Energy is tasked with accelerating coal technology development through available funding mechanisms and must submit a detailed action plan within 90 days. The order also instructs the Secretaries of Energy and Interior to determine whether coal used in steel production meets the criteria to be designated as a "critical material" or "critical mineral." The Commerce Department, in consultation with other agencies, is directed to promote export opportunities for coal and facilitate international offtake agreements. The Executive Order specifically targets powering artificial intelligence data centers with coal, requiring relevant departments to identify regions where coal-powered infrastructure could support AI operations and submit findings to the National Energy Dominance Council. Throughout the order, implementation is presented as a coordinated effort to reposition coal as a cornerstone of American energy policy and economic strength.