US federal agencies to 'unleash' coal energy after Biden 'stifled' it: 'Mine, Baby, Mine'

Fox News - Apr 8th, 2025
Open on Fox News

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at revitalizing the U.S. coal industry by cutting regulatory barriers and promoting coal as a critical energy resource. This initiative involves the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency working together to end a moratorium on federal coal leasing, promote coal and coal technology exports, and encourage the use of coal for powering artificial intelligence initiatives. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the importance of coal for reliable, 24/7 electricity generation, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted the economic benefits of unlocking coal reserves for energy dominance and job creation.

This move is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to bolster domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign energy sources. It reflects a significant policy shift from the previous administrations, which had imposed stricter regulations on coal. The plan includes reinstating the National Coal Council, investing in coal-powered electricity generation, and designating steelmaking coal as a critical material. This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to energy independence, economic growth, and the development of innovative coal technologies that could reduce reliance on international mineral supplies, particularly from China.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the Trump administration's efforts to revitalize the coal industry through an expected executive order. It effectively communicates the main points and potential impacts of the policy changes, making it accessible to a general audience. However, the article's reliance on statements from government officials and lack of diverse perspectives limits its balance and depth. While it successfully highlights the administration's narrative, it would benefit from including opposing viewpoints and independent expert analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue. Overall, the article is clear and engaging but could improve in areas of source quality and balance to enhance its credibility and impact.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims about President Trump's expected executive order aimed at revitalizing the coal industry. It accurately references the involvement of federal agencies like the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, and the EPA in supporting this initiative. The article also correctly mentions the lifting of a moratorium on federal coal leasing and efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. However, the story could benefit from additional verification of the specifics, such as the exact content of the executive order and the potential economic and environmental impacts. While the narrative aligns with known policy directions under Trump's administration, the lack of direct quotes from the executive order itself or additional external sources slightly undermines its precision. The article does not misrepresent facts but relies heavily on statements from government officials without independent corroboration.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspective of the Trump administration and supportive government officials, emphasizing the positive aspects of coal industry revitalization. It quotes energy and interior department officials extensively, portraying the initiative as a means to boost jobs and energy independence. However, it lacks balance by not including viewpoints from environmental groups, economists, or opposition politicians who might critique the environmental and economic implications of such policies. This omission suggests a bias towards the administration's narrative, which could mislead readers about the broader implications and debates surrounding coal energy policies.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the main points, making it accessible to a general audience. It logically progresses from the announcement of the executive order to the expected actions by federal agencies and the anticipated impacts on the coal industry. The tone is neutral in presenting the information, although the lack of opposing viewpoints could affect the reader's perception of neutrality. Overall, the clarity of the writing supports comprehension, but the inclusion of more diverse perspectives would enhance the depth of understanding.

5
Source quality

The primary sources of information in the article are statements from government officials and press releases, which are authoritative regarding policy announcements but may carry inherent biases. The article lacks diversity in sourcing, relying heavily on Fox News Digital's access to these statements. Including perspectives from independent experts, industry analysts, or environmental advocates would enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The reliance on a single media outlet for information suggests a potential conflict of interest, affecting the impartiality of the coverage.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear outline of the expected actions by the Trump administration and associated federal agencies. However, it does not disclose the methodology behind the claims or the potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the economic and environmental impacts of the coal industry. While the article cites specific government sources, it lacks transparency in explaining the broader context of these policy changes and their long-term implications. Greater transparency about the basis for claims and potential biases would improve the article's reliability.

Sources

  1. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-federal-agencies-unleash-coal-energy-after-biden-stifled-it-mine-baby-mine
  2. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-blocks-new-mining-region-produces-40-nations-coal-disaster
  3. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-executive-order-coal/
  4. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-01/documents/second-release-part-n.pdf
  5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-signs-executive-order-to-bolster-u-s-coal-industry