President Donald Trump has announced a major decision to support the coal industry by removing strict pollution control rules that were put in place during the Biden administration. This move is part of his wider plan to reduce regulations and boost traditional energy sources like coal across the United States.
What Were the Biden-Era Pollution Rules?
During Joe Biden’s presidency, several rules were introduced to control harmful emissions from coal plants. These rules aimed to limit the release of dangerous substances like mercury, lead, nickel, and arsenic into the air. These pollutants can cause serious health problems such as cancer, heart attacks, and brain development issues in children.
President Trump, however, believes that these rules are too strict and make it hard for energy companies to operate. That’s why he announced an immediate exemption for 47 companies running 66 large coal plants across the country.
Why Trump Says These Rules Are Harmful
According to Trump, the energy industry is being unfairly targeted by regulations that make it “impossible to do anything having to do, frankly, with energy.” He wants to make it easier for coal companies to do business and keep workers employed. He believes that the United States should rely more on its own energy sources like coal instead of shutting them down.
Using the Justice Department to Fight State Rules
Along with the exemption, President Trump has signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Justice to fight state laws that block coal development. He said the Justice Department will now focus on laws related to climate change, carbon taxes, and other environmental regulations that hurt coal companies.
Trump said, “I’m instructing the Department of Justice to identify and fight every single unconstitutional state or local regulation that’s putting our coal miners out of business.”
Additional Steps to Promote Coal
Trump’s administration is also taking more steps to help the coal sector. These include:
- Skipping environmental reviews for coal mining projects.
- Removing limits on coal mining on government land.
- Using government funds to develop new coal technologies.
All these steps are meant to give a boost to the coal industry and make it more competitive in today’s energy market.
Concerns About Public Health and the Environment
While this move may help the coal industry, many environmental experts and health organizations are worried. The substances released by coal plants—like mercury and lead—can seriously harm people’s health, especially in communities near the plants. Children are more at risk as their bodies are still growing.
Experts say that removing these pollution rules could lead to an increase in serious health problems, especially in poorer areas that already face pollution issues.