President Trump Signals Mandating More Coal Power, Action Would Impose High Health and Electricity Costs
Statement of EDF General Counsel Vickie Patton
News reports say President Trump is considering using emergency powers to mandate electricity production from coal-fired power plants.
“President Trump’s proposal to mandate that the American people use coal would mean higher electricity bills and more deadly pollution for all of us. Last year clean energy produced more power than coal across the U.S. while creating lots of homegrown jobs. That’s because clean energy is abundant, affordable, reliable and safe.
“Dictating the use of more coal would essentially be a huge tax on the American people, increasing electricity costs and health care costs. It would hurt American families and take the U.S. in the wrong direction.”
- Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund
With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org
Latest press releases
-
Gov. Newsom’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Proposal Will Reduce Costs for Families, Cut Harmful Pollution, and Spur Innovation
February 2, 2026 -
Courts Strike Down All Five Stop-Work Orders for Offshore Wind Projects
February 2, 2026 -
Court Rules Trump Administration’s Secret “Climate Working Group” Violated Federal Law
January 30, 2026 -
Department of Energy Blocks Arizona Investment That Would Lower Electricity Bills
January 29, 2026 -
EPA Unveils Proposal to Revoke Parts of Good Neighbor Plan
January 28, 2026 -
Groups Challenge Trump Administration’s Illegal Craig Coal Plant Extension
January 28, 2026