Dozens of coal plants — emitting as much planet-warming pollution as 27 million cars — were expected to be retired during Trump’s second term. Now there may not be any more coal plants closing until after Trump leaves office, according to officials and the energy analysis company Enverus. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has acknowledged the goal is to avoid any shutdowns.
The Mill Creek Generation Plant in Jefferson County had been expected to retire before 2028. The Ghent Generation Plant located on the Ohio River just north of Carrolltown, Kentucky is among the facilities receiving federal money.
Before Donald Trump returned to the White House, the Biden administration and many electric utilities were building a future dominated by renewable energy. They aimed to replace coal, slash greenhouse gases and reduce air pollution that kills more than a thousand people annually.
The administration says coal helps electric reliability during extreme demand. Critics say keeping plants open will cost ratepayers and taxpayers and lock in more pollution. The emergency orders are being challenged by states, utilities, and consumer groups. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has also rolled back clean energy incentives, environmental regulations and slowed new wind and solar permits.