White House will dump $700M of public funds into costly, unreliable coal again
5 hours ago
- #energy policy
- #coal revival
- #taxpayer waste
- The White House plans to spend $700 million via the Defense Production Act to revive coal energy, supporting 13 existing plants, building two new ones, reopening a closed plant, and opening a coal export terminal.
- Coal's share in U.S. electricity generation has dropped from about 50% in early 2000s to 15% in 2024, due to its high costs, unreliability, and pollution.
- The announcement involves officials from the Department of Energy, Interior, and EPA, criticized for ties to fossil fuel industries and policies increasing energy costs and pollution.
- Critics argue this spending wastes taxpayer money, raises energy costs, worsens climate change, and contradicts the trend away from coal.
- The article promotes alternatives like rooftop solar and electric vehicles, suggesting savings and cleaner energy options.