Washington, D.C. — In response to today’s executive order from President Trump to support the coal industry, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from former EPA scientist and Vice President of Federal Policy, Matthew Davis:

“Trump’s 19th century energy policy is just as outdated as his 19th century economic policies, and just as disastrous. 

After starting a global trade war that will mean higher prices on everything, Trump’s next move is to try to revive the expensive, dirty, and dangerous coal industry that peaked 20 years ago. Coal-fired power plants, which have long poisoned local communities and our climate, have been closing because there are cheaper and cleaner options like wind and solar power. 

Betting on coal makes no sense. According to a recent analysis, 99 percent of existing U.S. coal plants are more expensive to run than replacement by local wind, solar, and energy storage resources. The pollution from coal plants has long been known to cause developmental delays in children, asthma, cancer, and premature death. Forcing more coal onto the public will only benefit a small group of polluting corporations while driving families’ energy and medical bills higher.”

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