President Trump has signed a new set of executive orders aimed at boosting the coal industry moves that are already proving deeply unpopular among the American public and environmental groups alike.
The most significant change reclassifies coal as a “mineral,” a shift that allows it to benefit from a previous Trump-era order that used presidential wartime authorities to fast-track mining operations. That earlier order mandated that federal agencies expedite approvals for mines and prioritize extraction activities on federal lands a benefit that now extends to coal under this latest action.
In addition to this reclassification, Trump’s new directive goes even further. It seeks to exempt coal projects from environmental reviews, eliminating a process that often evaluates the impact of toxic emissions and long-term environmental damage. The administration is also instructing federal agencies to prioritize coal production specifically on federal lands, accelerating leasing and project approvals.
In a separate provision, Trump rolled back Biden-era regulations that placed limits on toxic pollutants from coal-fired power plants substances like arsenic, mercury, and other heavy metals that have long been linked to serious health issues, especially in vulnerable communities. The rollback gives dozens of coal plants new freedom to release those toxins without penalty or oversight.
Adding to the controversy, Trump also pledged to use the Justice Department to challenge any state laws or policiesthat, in the administration’s view, obstruct coal development. This aggressive approach could put the federal government in direct conflict with states that have adopted cleaner energy goals or stricter environmental protections.
While the coal industry and some political allies have praised the move as a return to “energy dominance,” the backlash has been swift and widespread. Polls show that a majority of Americans oppose expanding coal use, with many citing concerns about environmental degradation, climate change, and public health. In fact, recent surveys suggest that coal is one of the least popular energy sources among the U.S. population, particularly with younger and suburban voters.
Environmental groups have condemned the orders as reckless and dangerous. Health advocates argue the rollback of toxic substance limits will increase the risk of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and water contamination, particularly in communities near coal plants.
Critics also point out that the orders run counter to global trends, where coal use is declining in favor of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. And with many U.S. utility companies already phasing out coal due to market pressure and investor concerns, the executive orders are being seen by many as a political gesture rather than a meaningful economic boost.
As legal challenges loom and public opinion turns sharply against coal expansion, the move may prove to be not only environmentally damaging but politically costly as well.