President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Thursday nearly $700 million in new federal support for the coal industry, using authorities under the Defense Production Act to designate coal as critical to national security.

The package includes $425 million to support 13 existing coal-fired power plants, $75 million for a coal export terminal in California, and $185 million in Energy Department grants to construct new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and restart a shuttered facility in Maryland.

The initiative reflects the Trump administration’s broader push to revive the domestic coal sector, which has faced a steady decline for years. Coal currently supplies about 16% of U.S. electricity generation, down significantly from previous decades. The administration has rolled back certain environmental regulations and taken steps to extend the operation of some coal plants to maintain grid reliability and energy security.

Environmental groups criticized the plan, arguing it would extend the life of older, higher-emission facilities and potentially raise costs for consumers. Supporters counter that coal provides essential baseload power and strengthens the electric grid during periods of high demand or extreme weather.

The announcement comes as the administration continues to prioritize American energy dominance and reduced reliance on imported fuels.