Washington, D.C. – At a White House event today, President Trump announced a new initiative for the Department of War to purchase electricity from coal power plants. The President also received an award from the Washington Coal Club declaring him as the “Undisputed Champion of Coal.” In response to these announcements, America’s Power President and CEO Michelle Bloodworth released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement that the Department of War will be purchasing electricity from coal power plants is an important reminder of the critical role that coal plays in protecting our national security.
“Coal is a reliable, affordable source of electricity capable of meeting electricity demand at all times and in all weather conditions, which is essential for our nation’s military installations. Today’s announcement is an important investment in America’s coal fleet that will help our military better prepare for and respond to national security threats. Unfortunately, over the next five years, more than a quarter of our nation’s coal power plants are still scheduled to retire unless steps are taken to reverse these retirement plans. Keeping these plants open should be a continuing priority both from a national security and an economic perspective.
“President Trump and his Administration have worked tirelessly to roll back costly and harmful regulations responsible for the premature retirement of America’s coal fleet. The Washington Coal Club award is a well-deserved honor. On behalf of America’s Power, we congratulate President Trump and thank him for his work to ensure our country continues to benefit from two of its most valuable assets, coal and the nation’s fleet of coal power plants.”