WASHINGTON — February 12, 2026 — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday requiring the Department of Defense to secure long-term power purchase agreements with coal-fired power plants to provide reliable energy to U.S. military installations.
The order, which refers to the Department of Defense internally as the “Department of War,” directs the Pentagon to prioritize coal as a stable and cost-effective energy source for bases across the country. Trump described the move as essential for national security and energy independence.
Speaking at a White House ceremony, Trump praised coal’s reliability, saying it is “cheaper and far more effective” than intermittent renewable sources for powering critical defense infrastructure. “Our military cannot depend on wind and solar when the lights have to stay on 24/7,” he said. “Coal has powered America through wars and peace, and it will now power our warfighters.”
The event featured several coal miners as special guests, including Kayla Blackford, a miner from Indiana, who addressed the audience and thanked the president. “For years, we’ve been told our industry is dying,” Blackford said. “President Trump is the first leader in a long time who recognizes the hard work we do and how important we are to keeping this country strong.”
Supporters of the order, including representatives from coal-producing states and energy industry groups, hailed the decision as a major victory for American workers. They argue it will preserve and create thousands of jobs in coal communities that have struggled under previous administrations’ shift toward renewables.
Environmental advocates and climate groups sharply criticized the move. They warned that expanding coal use at military bases will increase air pollution and accelerate climate change. “Forcing the Pentagon to lock in long-term coal contracts is a step backward for both public health and our national security,” said a spokesperson for a major environmental organization. “Coal pollution causes asthma, heart disease, and premature deaths, while making our planet hotter and more dangerous.”
The executive order marks one of Trump’s early actions in his second term focused on reviving the domestic coal industry, which he has long championed as vital to America’s economic and energy strength. Pentagon officials have been instructed to begin identifying suitable coal plants for multi-year contracts.
The White House said the policy aims to shield military operations from grid instability and rising energy prices, particularly in regions where renewable energy has strained reliability.
