Energy Policy Shift
signed executive orders to promote coal as a primary energy source for AI data centers, designating it as a "critical mineral" and expediting coal leasing on federal lands.
The orders aim to meet the growing energy demands of AI, with studies directed to explore coal-powered infrastructure's feasibility for supporting data centers.
Economic and Environmental Concerns
Critics argue that the push for coal overlooks its high costs and environmental impact, citing the decline of the coal industry due to cheaper and cleaner energy alternatives.
The move counters global efforts to reduce coal use for combating climate change, with public opinion largely favoring a transition to clean energy sources.