President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of War (DOW) to work directly with U.S. coal-fired power plants on long-term power purchase agreements. The administration said the initiative is intended to ensure “more reliable power and stronger and more resilient grid power.”

The order, titled Strengthening United States National Defense with America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet, states that coal is essential for national defense and economic stability. It calls for federal installations to procure electricity from the domestic coal generation fleet, with agreements coordinated between the Secretaries of War and Energy.

Trump emphasized coal’s role in defense and industrial production, citing its importance for steel production, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and providing reliable power during winter storms. “More than 200 million Americans across 35 states were impacted by the storm, and the only reason most were able to take a hot shower was thanks to the power provided by the most reliable…form of energy that we have,” he said.

The president highlighted the Tennessee Valley Authority’s efforts to preserve two coal plants—the Cumberland Fossil Plant and Kingston Fossil Plant—saving more than 450 jobs. He also said the Department of Energy would provide funds to coal plants in West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, and Kentucky to keep them operational.

Trump contrasted his approach with the prior administration, noting that he ended the “war on coal,” withdrew from the Paris climate accord, and criticized wind energy as “crazy windmills…all made in China.” He cited approvals of over 70 mine permits and increases in coal production and generation during his tenure as evidence of progress.

The event included a presentation by Peabody Energy CEO Jim Grech, who awarded Trump a trophy recognizing him as the “undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal.”

Trump concluded by touting American energy dominance, stating, “America is now the No. 1 energy producer in the world. We are by far No. 1.”