Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Raleigh, N.C. -- 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Trump’s executive orders aim to force coal plants to remain open past their scheduled retirement dates by invoking an outdated wartime law that allows the Department of Energy to compel power plants to temporarily remain operational.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-fired power plants that are already scheduled to retire and placing aggressive tariffs on renewable energy, Trump’s 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 a 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.
Duke earned 2 out of 100 in the inaugural release of the Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges in 2021, and climbed to 20 out of 100 in 2024. While it made progress in some states, Duke Indiana saw its grade slide from 13 to 0 over the same period due to the extended timeline of coal plant operations and lack of clean energy investments.
Duke signaled it may burn more coal under a Trump Administration even as the planet surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius of human-caused warming, and despite the fact that clean energy like wind and solar is more affordable than 99 percent of all U.S. coal plants. Duke supported a sign-on letter asking the EPA to erode several environmental protections while it lobbies the North Carolina legislature to roll back the state’s greenhouse gas reductions law. Bloomberg reports that Duke Energy “removed a mention of climate targets in its latest earnings release as the company builds more natural gas plants and reconsiders its coal plans.” Duke provides electricity to customers in Indiana, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina.
Statement from Olive Buress, North Carolina Beyond Coal Campaign Organizer with the Sierra Club:
“Duke continues to burn coal even though it contaminates our air and water with cancer-causing pollution while changing the climate on our planet that’s needed to sustain life. Duke’s record speaks for itself, including its decision to build a coal plant less than three miles from an existing elementary school and mismanagement of a major coal ash spill into the Dan River. We need Duke’s Harry Sideris to live up to his utility’s commitment to move toward more renewable energy investments to avoid the worst impacts of our changing climate, not doubling down on making the problem worse.”
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.