During his first presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump made grand promises to coal workers about a prosperous future under his leadership. However, as he seeks re-election, he has shifted his focus away from coal miners and their industry.
Experts attribute this change to the harsh reality that coal experienced a decline rather than a revival during Trump’s presidency. Despite his efforts to dismantle climate regulations and appoint a coal lobbyist to a top environmental position, the industry saw numerous coal-fired power plants close and thousands of jobs lost.
Erin E. Bates, a spokeswoman for the United Mine Workers of America, noted that not a single coal miner returned to work or power plant was saved under Trump’s administration.
The decline of coal can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of cheap natural gas from fracking, the plummeting costs of wind and solar power, and the introduction of strict emissions limits on coal-fired power plants by the EPA. These factors have made coal an increasingly expensive and environmentally unfriendly source of energy.
Despite Trump’s pledge to roll back the EPA limits on coal pollution, industry leaders believe that it would not be enough to revive the coal industry to its former glory.
Trump’s current energy agenda mainly revolves around promoting oil and gas, disregarding the impact on climate change. His focus on drilling for oil and gas, opposing renewable energy sources like wind power, and withdrawing from the Paris climate accord reflects his prioritization of traditional fossil fuels.
Coal’s diminishing role in the energy sector has also shifted the political landscape, with both Democrats and Republicans talking less about coal in their campaigns. Swing states crucial for the 2024 election, such as Arizona and Wisconsin, are not major coal producers, further diminishing the focus on coal.
The decline of coal’s political influence is evident in West Virginia, a once Democratic stronghold that has turned solidly Republican due to its coal industry ties. With coal workers now leaning towards the Republican Party, the necessity for politicians to champion coal has decreased.
The waning influence of coal’s biggest supporters, such as Robert E. Murray and Senator Mitch McConnell, further underscores the diminishing power of the coal industry in shaping political agendas.
In conclusion, the era of coal’s dominance in American energy production and politics appears to be fading. With the industry facing economic challenges and environmental concerns, both political parties are shifting their focus towards alternative energy sources and away from coal.
Taylor Robinson contributed reporting from New York.
