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
-
Open coalition on compliance carbon markets adopted at Belém Climate Summit to catalyze cost-effective climate action
November 7, 2025 -
Brazil’s call to action on integrated fire management and wildfire resilience elevates wildfire as a global priority
November 7, 2025 -
Electricity Bills Have Risen in 47 States, While Trump Administration Blocks the Cheapest, Cleanest Energy Sources
November 7, 2025 -
AGREE, EDF, and Rewiring America Secure Progress Towards Heat Pump-Friendly Electric Rates in Con Edison Rate Case
November 6, 2025 -
New Environmental Defense Fund Report Urges New York City to Take Unified Approach to Housing and Climate Crisis to Protect Communities from Future Displacement
November 6, 2025 -
EDF, Allies File Comments Urging the Trump EPA to Continue the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
November 3, 2025