Sen. Markey Criticizes Trump’s Coal Orders

TL/DR –

Senator Edward J. Markey, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, criticized President Trump’s decision to sign four executive orders aimed at boosting the coal industry, calling coal “outdated, costly, and dangerous.” He criticized Trump’s decision to open up public lands for coal mining and expedite coal leasing and permitting, labeling this a danger to public health and the environment. Markey also accused Trump of trying to roll back clean energy investments and favouring his fossil fuel contributors, noting that renewables are now more cost-effective than coal.

Senator Markey Criticizes President’s Attempt to Revive Dying Coal Industry

In Washington, D.C., on April 8, 2025, the Environment and Public Works Committee member Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) expressed his criticism after President Trump’s signing of four executive orders to support the struggling coal industry.

“Coal, much like Trump’s views, is outdated, costly, and hazardous,” voiced Markey. “This energy source is the primary contributor to climate issues and a threat to public health for neighboring communities. Contrary to Trump’s remarks, renewables are outperforming coal. Building new solar, including storage, is now more cost-effective than maintaining existing coal plants in the U.S.”

“The actual crisis isn’t a coal shortage, but Trump’s directives to exploit America’s pristine public lands for coal mining, expedite coal leasing and permitting. Efforts to resuscitate this declining industry are not only pricey for American taxpayers but also pose danger to public health and the environment. From undermining the Environmental Protection Agency and its mission for clean air and water, to seeking to cut clean energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act, Trump seems to be repaying his fossil fuel donors, whose sole target is to suppress clean energy and hinder the revolution that has established onshore wind and solar as the most cost-efficient electricity sources nationwide.”

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