The Trump administration wants old coal plants to stay open. They need lots of power for AI data centers. Energy Secretary Chris Wright shared this plan at a Newsmaker event.
More Power, Less Climate Talk
Trump calls climate change a “global trick.” His team focuses on cheap electricity and no blackouts. “We’re keeping strong coal plants running,” Wright said.
They’re working with power companies to stop dozens of closures.
Coal Plants Keep Going
Many coal plants, some 50 years old, will stay online. Wright said, “Most will keep working.” The government used special rules to keep a Michigan coal plant and a Pennsylvania gas plant open.
Other Energy Plans
The plan also uses backup generators all the time and speeds up new nuclear projects.
“We’re helping nuclear grow as another power source,” Wright added.
AI’s Big Power Demand
AI data centers will push U.S. power use to new highs in 2025 and 2026. The Energy Information Administration says demand will keep rising.
The U.S. and China are racing to lead AI with more electricity.
China’s Coal Boom
China built 100 gigawatts of coal power last year and is adding more. “They’re growing fast while we talk climate,” Wright said, pushing the U.S. to keep up.
Land for New Plants
The Energy Department opened public land for power plants and data centers. They got 300 requests to build already.
Why It Matters
Critics call coal dirty, but supporters say it keeps power steady. Coal was 16% of U.S. power in 2023, down from 51% in 2001. This plan puts AI and energy first, not climate goals.
