The Trump administration announced a $625 million plan on Monday to bolster the coal industry, aiming to keep plants open, reduce energy costs, and strengthen U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence.
Energy Secretary Christopher Wright told FOX Business the U.S. has “awesome coal reserves” ready for productive use.
“We’re going to export more of that coal, we’re going to use it for American industry, particularly as we reindustrialize, and it’s going to continue to provide 15%-16% of our electricity and enable us to reindustrialize and win the AI race,” Wright told Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria.
The $625 million package includes $350 million to modernize coal plants, $175 million for rural energy projects, $50 million to upgrade wastewater systems, $25 million for dual-fuel capability, and $25 million to maintain boiler efficiency on natural gas. Wright said coal has been “under assault” despite being vital for steel, cement, and powering the AI boom, calling it the “backbone” of U.S. industry. Wright said the programs also aim to add “pollution control” measures to ensure America’s coal plants operate “cleaner and better.”
“Coal just makes the world go round. And they’ve tried to strangle it, particularly the Biden administration, starting with the Obama administration,” Wright said, adding that coal has “a long future.”
“Let’s stop wishing it would go away,” Wright said of coal. “It’s critical to our country.”
“Critical to our country”: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses the Trump administration’s plan to reinvigorate and expand America’s coal industry. pic.twitter.com/QmWnEgOYIH
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