Trump vows to immediately ramp up U.S. production of ‘beautiful, clean coal’

Los Angeles Times - Mar 19th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

President Trump has announced plans to open hundreds of coal power plants in the U.S., aiming to boost energy production and compete with China's coal-dependent economy. His administration is moving to roll back regulations on coal production and environmental protections, including plans to potentially lay off a significant portion of EPA scientists. This comes as the administration also considers revising the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards, which have been credited with reducing hazardous air pollutants.

The move represents a significant departure from the clean energy initiatives pursued by the Biden administration, which sought to reduce coal reliance and promote renewable energy. The Trump administration argues that reviving coal plants will lower energy costs for Americans and enhance the nation's energy dominance. This shift, however, raises concerns about increased pollution and challenges the scientific consensus on the environmental impact of fossil fuels. The administration's focus on coal as an energy source contrasts with global trends towards renewable energy, and it underscores a broader geopolitical strategy against China, which heavily relies on coal for its energy needs.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant discussion of the Trump administration's energy policy shifts, focusing on the revival of coal power and its implications. While it effectively conveys key points and maintains clarity, the story could benefit from more balanced reporting and diverse perspectives to enhance its depth and credibility. The reliance on limited sources and the lack of transparency in the basis for certain claims somewhat undermine its accuracy. Despite these limitations, the article addresses issues of significant public interest and has the potential to influence discourse on energy policy and environmental regulation. Overall, the story is informative but would be strengthened by a broader range of viewpoints and more authoritative sourcing.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents several claims that require verification, such as President Trump's intention to open hundreds of coal power plants and the rollback of environmental regulations. While the article references specific actions and statements from the Trump administration, it lacks direct citations or links to official documents or policy papers that substantiate these claims. For example, the story mentions Trump's social media post about 'beautiful, clean coal' but does not provide a direct link to the post or any accompanying policy documentation. Additionally, the article discusses the environmental impact of coal, noting it as the 'dirtiest fossil fuel,' which aligns with general scientific consensus, yet it doesn't cite specific studies or data to support these assertions. The claim about the EPA's cost projections related to regulatory rollbacks also needs more concrete evidence or references to specific reports or analyses.

5
Balance

The article leans heavily towards presenting the Trump administration's perspective on energy policy changes, particularly highlighting the economic and competitive motivations behind the coal industry revival. While it includes some counterpoints, such as the environmental impact of coal and the benefits of existing regulations, these are not as prominently featured or detailed. The narrative could be more balanced by incorporating a broader range of perspectives, including those of environmental groups, economists, and other stakeholders affected by these policy changes. The lack of diverse viewpoints may lead readers to perceive a bias towards the administration's stance, potentially omitting critical analyses or dissenting opinions that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the key points and claims. The language is accessible, avoiding overly technical jargon, which helps in conveying complex policy issues to a general audience. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations or examples to fully illuminate the implications of the policy changes discussed. Overall, the tone remains neutral, though the emphasis on certain viewpoints might suggest a slight bias in presentation.

4
Source quality

The article relies primarily on statements from President Trump and the EPA's top administrator, Lee Zeldin, without providing a wide variety of sources or expert opinions. This limited sourcing raises concerns about the depth and reliability of the information presented. The absence of independent verification or commentary from external experts in environmental science or energy policy diminishes the article's credibility. Additionally, the lack of attribution to specific studies or reports when discussing the environmental and economic impacts of coal suggests a need for more authoritative sources to substantiate the claims made.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the Trump administration's policy direction and the potential implications of these changes. However, it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology behind the claims and the basis for the EPA's cost projections. The story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or biases that might affect its reporting, nor does it explain the sources or processes used to gather information. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and allow readers to better assess the validity of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://globalwarmingplanet.com/Default
  2. https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2025/03/18/trump-looks-to-save-coal-what-could-that-mean-for-new-mexico/
  3. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=370923http%3A%2F%2Facecomments.mu.nu%2F%3Fpost%3D370923
  4. https://www.ggdorm.or.kr/home/main_kr/main.php?mc=1%257C3%257C1&ctt=..%2Fcontents_kr%2Fm_5_3&mode=view&no=1726&start=0&search_str=
  5. https://www.sierraclub.org/press-releases/2025/03/trump-spreads-more-delusional-lies-about-coal