- Executive order reverses 3 Biden-era power plant emissions rules
- Coal produces 28% more CO2 per unit than natural gas
- 0 operational carbon capture systems at US coal plants
President Trump's latest energy policy directive has reignited debates about America's environmental future. The Unleashing American Energyorder signed this week accelerates coal leasing on federal lands while mandating studies about powering AI infrastructure with coal – a move critics call technologically impractical.
Energy analysts highlight a stark contradiction: While the administration touts clean coal,federal data shows the industry's carbon capture adoption remains nonexistent. A recent Congressional review found the nation's 15 operational carbon capture facilities handle less than 0.5% of annual emissions, none attached to coal plants.
The policy shift comes as Colorado's Comanche Generating Station demonstrates coal's challenges. Once slated for closure, the plant now faces renewed scrutiny after mercury level violations. Regional air quality boards report coal-related healthcare costs exceeding $800 million annually in Appalachian states.
Three critical industry insights emerge from the debate: First, retrofitting existing coal plants with carbon capture would cost $1.2-$2.5 million per megawatt. Second, solar installation costs have dropped 72% since 2010 compared to coal's 9% efficiency gains. Third, energy traders predict coal's share in US electricity mix will fall below 10% by 2027 regardless of policy changes.
EPA records reveal troubling patterns: Plants operating under Trump-era mercury rules still emit 12% more toxins than facilities complying with previous standards. Neurologists warn this directly correlates with 18% higher childhood developmental delays near coal-reliant communities.
As global energy markets shift, analysts question the order's timing. Natural gas futures hit 5-year lows this month while battery storage capacity doubled nationwide. Investing in coal now is like buying typewriters during the PC revolution,remarked MIT energy researcher Dr. Elena Torres.
