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
-
Apple Watch carbon neutral court ruling sets guardrails for greenwashing litigation
February 26, 2026 -
New Proposal in Congress Would Gut Key Provisions of Landmark Chemical Safety Law, Putting Families’ Health at Risk
February 26, 2026 -
Rejoining RGGI is a Huge Win for Virginia Climate and Communities
February 26, 2026 -
New Report: Arizona’s Power Companies Could Save Customers $114M per Year
February 23, 2026 -
Massachusetts Takes Major Step to Reduce Energy Burdens for Low Income Residents
February 20, 2026 -
Colorado Strengthens Oil and Gas Air Quality Regulations and Clarifies Requirements for Inspections at all Production Facilities
February 20, 2026