More coal power plant shutdowns under Trump than Obama
Published by Claire Cuddihy,
Assistant Editor
World Coal,
Coal is on a downward slope despite Trump’s best efforts to frame himself as champion of the industry. According to coal mining consultant Art Sullivan, Trump has other motives. He commented: "He's trying to get their votes. He isn't telling them the truth.”
Coal is simply unable to compete with cheaper, cleaner natural gas, wind and solar.
According to one source, more coal power plants have shut down during Trump’s first two years in office than in Obama’s entire first term.
However, former President Barack Obama’s second term proved the most lethal for coal-fired power plants.
The EIA reports more than 30 closed between 2013 and 2016, while just over 20 are projected to close before Trump’s first term is up.
The most plants closed in 2015 when higher emissions standards enacted under the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule went into effect.
Trump has attempted to abolish many hurdles for the coal industry, for example, he proposed lighter emissions limit and the introduction of new pollution standards.
Yet coal plants continue to close.
The EIA reports that just one small coal plant is expected to open in 2019.
In 2017, burning coal was reportedly responsible for 26% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
According to the EIA, burning natural gas can produce the same amount of energy with half the carbon dioxide emissions.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/08012019/more-coal-power-plant-shutdowns-under-trump-than-obama/
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