Donald Trump releases $700 million to revive the American coal industry

Le président américain Donald Trump announced a vast $700 million investment plan aimed at reviving the coal industry in the United States. Presented as a strategic measure to strengthen the country's energy independence, this initiative marks a resurgence of one of the world's most controversial fossil fuels. The US administration intends to modernize several existing infrastructures while launching new industrial projects in several coal-producing states.

The investment will be financed under the Defense Production Act, a mechanism generally reserved for national emergencies. According to the White House, the funds will be used, in particular, to modernize 14 power plants and 42 coal mines spread across a dozen US states. Donald Trump emphasized that these states largely supported his candidacy in the last presidential election, making this program also a political signal to his electorate.

Two new power plants and an export terminal

Beyond the renovation of existing facilities, the plan includes the construction of two new coal-fired power plants, a first in the United States in over a decade. These plants are slated for West Virginia and Alaska. The White House occupant assures that they will utilize state-of-the-art technologies to reduce emissions while ensuring stable electricity production.

The program also includes the creation of a dedicated marine terminal for coal exports in Oakland, California. This new infrastructure aims to strengthen U.S. export capacity to international markets amid significant tensions in global energy markets. The U.S. administration believes that demand for fossil fuels could remain high in several regions of the world despite the growth of renewable energy.

A struggling industry that is regaining its strength

Long a pillar of the American economy, the coal industry has experienced a marked decline over the past two decades. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), coal production was halved between 2005 and 2020 due to competition from natural gas and renewable energy sources.

However, the trend appears to have reversed recently. After reaching a low point in 2024, production rebounded in 2025 and has continued its upward trend since the beginning of 2026. Today, coal still accounts for approximately 9% of US energy consumption, a level similar to that of renewable energy in some parts of the country.

A choice that is controversial due to its environmental consequences

This revival, however, has drawn considerable criticism. Environmental organizations denounce the massive investment in a fossil fuel considered one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Several scientific studies also highlight the health consequences of coal combustion, particularly in terms of air pollution and respiratory illnesses.

Democratic lawmakers who support the energy transition believe that the $700 million could have been invested in renewable energy infrastructure or electricity storage. They also point out that the cost of producing solar and wind power is now competitive with traditional thermal power plants.