Trump to announce $700M coal aid via Defense Production Act

President Donald Trump is expected to announce a nearly $700 million initiative to support the U.S. coal industry, invoking Cold War-era national defense powers to fund power plant upgrades, new construction, and a major export terminal, according to a White House official. The formal announcement is scheduled for Thursday at the White House, where lawmakers and governors from coal-producing states such as Wyoming and West Virginia have been invited.

The plan will utilize the Defense Production Act of 1950, a law granting presidents broad authority over industries deemed critical to national security. Under this authority, $425 million will be allocated to upgrade 13 existing coal-fired power plants across several states, including West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Arizona, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. An additional $185 million in Energy Department grants will be used to match corporate funds for building two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia, as well as restarting the AES Warrior Run generating station in Maryland. A further $75 million is designated for the proposed West Gateway export terminal in Oakland, California,...