Oppose Trump Plan to Revive Dying Coal Industry.

Today I take pen in hand to write and express my strong opposition to the recently announced plans to revive the dying and unnecessary coal industry. This misguided Trump initiative, which includes opening 13.1 million acres of public land to coal mining and providing $625 million for coal-fired power plants, is a step backward for our nation's energy policy and environmental protection efforts. The coal industry's decline is not a trend to be reversed, but a natural market progression that reflects the realities of our changing energy landscape. Coal production in the United States has halved between 2008 and 2023, and its share in electricity generation has plummeted from 50% in 2000 to a mere 15% in 2024. These numbers clearly demonstrate that coal is no longer economically viable or necessary for our energy needs. The proposed $625 million investment in modernizing coal plants, supporting coal projects in rural communities, and upgrading wastewater management systems is an irresponsible use of taxpayer money. Instead of propping up a dying industry, these funds ought to be directed towards renewable energy initiatives that create sustainable jobs, help the current coal miner workforce transition, and protect our environment. Furthermore, the plan to open 13.1 million acres of public land to coal mining is an unconscionable giveaway of our natural resources. This land belongs to all Americans and should be preserved for future generations, not exploited for short-term gains by a dying and polluting industry. The administration's efforts to fast-track mining permits and exempt some coal plants from EPA rules are particularly alarming. These actions will undoubtedly lead to increased pollution, poisoning water resources, and of course negatively impacting the health of many communities, not to mention exacerbating carbon emissions the cause instability in our climate. I urge you to oppose this coal industry bailout and instead support policies that invest in clean, renewable energy sources. Thank you.