Environmentalists Warn of Health and Economic Risks

This week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order focused on boosting American coal production. However, environmental advocates are expressing concerns that this move will negatively impact both the financial well-being of Americans and the environment.

The President stated that the order aims to revitalize an industry he believes was unfairly neglected, emphasizing its importance in terms of power generation. He described the coal as "beautiful, clean coal" and declared an end to what he termed a "war" against it.

Environmentalists, however, argue that increasing the use of coal-fired plants would be detrimental to the health of Americans. They also strongly dispute the President's terminology, with former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy stating that "clean coal" is a misnomer. She further asserted that the administration's actions are a waste of taxpayer money, supporting an expensive and harmful industry when cleaner and more affordable energy options are available.

Jason Rylander of the Center for Biological Diversity's Climate Law Institute criticized the order as a reckless endorsement of the fossil fuel industry. He warned that forcing old coal plants to continue polluting the air and water would lead to increased instances of cancer, asthma, and premature deaths. He also highlighted that this action contradicts the President's previous promises regarding clean air and water.

Coal production releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, as well as particulate matter, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Exposure to this particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is linked to an increased risk of mortality. Studies have shown that the mortality risk associated with coal-related PM2.5 exposure is significantly higher than that from other sources.

In addition to health concerns, coal production is also more expensive than renewable energy sources like solar and wind. A report from a nonpartisan energy and climate policy think tank found that nearly all U.S. coal plants are more costly to operate than new renewable energy facilities. The Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense also notes that the use of coal is becoming economically unsustainable due to the high costs associated with the damage it causes.

Ted Kelly, Director of the Environmental Defense Fund, stated that the decline in coal use is due to the high operating costs of coal plants, and that executive orders will not change this market reality. He added that increased coal use would only be possible through subsidies, which would either use taxpayer money or increase costs for American families. He concluded that clinging to outdated power plans would lead to higher electricity bills, job losses in the renewable energy sector, and a public health and climate disaster.