In a series of recent executive orders, former President Trump has taken significant actions aimed at revitalizing the struggling coal industry, including granting exemptions from mercury and toxic air pollution regulations to numerous coal plants. Despite these efforts, experts suggest that the market is increasingly favoring natural gas and that the push to support coal faces significant economic challenges. Additionally, Trump’s focus on coal comes as the electricity demands are rising, partly due to technological advancements in artificial intelligence. Critics argue that the commitment to coal contradicts environmental progress and the shift towards renewable energy sources.