Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Kansas City, Mo – Donald Trump’s executive orders aim to force coal plants to remain open past their scheduled retirement dates by invoking an outdated wartime law that allows the Department of Energy to compel power plants to temporarily remain operational. Donald Trump attempted a similar strategy during his first administration, but failed. Nearly 100 coal plants retired or announced retirements during Trump’s first term.
By extending the lifespan of coal-burning power plants that are already scheduled to retire and placing aggressive tariffs on renewable energy, Trump’s reckless policies will raise monthly energy bills for everyday Americans. On average, renewable energy costs 30 percent less than coal for the same energy output.
Since 2009, Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign has successfully advocated for the retirement of 389 coal-fired power plants. Last year, coal production fell to an historic low, making up only 15 percent of U.S. electricity generation. Meanwhile, renewable energy has rapidly overtaken coal and made up nearly a quarter of the U.S. grid in 2024.
AECI, Ameren, and Evergy all scored quite low in Sierra Club’s most recent Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges, which was released last October. Sierra Club previously detailed how Missouri coal plants, including Labadie (#2), are among the deadliest coal plants in the country, and how pollution controls would improve public health and save lives.
Statement from Jenn DeRose, Missouri Senior Organizer with the Sierra Club:
“Ameren continues to burn coal even though it contaminates our air and water with cancer-causing pollution while contributing to catastrophic climate change. Ameren’s record speaks for itself, including illegally polluting our region’s air for more than a decade without offering a single apology, even though it was forced by the DOJ to spend more than $60 million to compensate for its infraction. We need Ameren’s Marty Lyons to live up to his utility’s commitment to seriously invest in renewable energy that will help avoid the worst impacts of our changing climate, not double down on making the problem worse.”
Statement from Ty Gorman, Senior Campaign Organizing Strategist with the Sierra Club in Kansas:
“Evergy started backsliding on its renewable energy investments during the Biden Administration; now I’m concerned the monopoly utility will take advantage of these absurd executive orders to further delay coal plant retirements. We need Evergy’s David Campbell to be a leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy investments, especially solar, because these resources are cleaner, safer, and more affordable than burning coal.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.