Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions.

By: Alex Brown

Outlets: Stateline

Published: March 19, 2026

Words: 1,848

Last Updated: 2 days, 3 hours ago

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In an unprecedented use of federal authority, President Donald Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers to force a series of retiring coal plants to stay open.

Utilities, states and grid operators have said the aging plants are expensive, in bad repair and no longer needed to meet regional energy needs. But Trump’s efforts to save the dwindling coal industry have forced plant operators to continue investing in the facilities — a move that some consumer …

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