Trump Touts “Clean Coal” to Power AI Data Centers
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing the use of “beautiful, clean coal” to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers. The order designates coal as a “critical mineral” and proposes opening public lands for coal mining. The development was first reported by The Verge.
The Departments of Commerce, Energy, and the Interior have been instructed to study coal-based infrastructure to identify suitable sites for AI data centers.
“AI technology will require twice the electricity, and for that we need more power,” Trump stated, emphasizing the need to harness domestic energy resources.
Despite the move, energy experts have raised concerns, warning that increased coal use may spark ethical debates around climate impact and the responsible development of technology.
Coal currently accounts for less than 15 percent of U.S. energy production—down from nearly 50 percent in 2011. Nonetheless, the Trump administration appears committed to reinvesting in the coal sector as part of its broader strategy to boost AI development.
