US turns to coal as global tariffs take effect

The increasing sense of the US becoming an international outlier was underlined in the latest Executive Order promoting coal development, as much-publicised new tariffs swing into effect.

Describing coal as ‘beautiful and clean’ is probably the last description most environmentalists would attach. And even the most ardent Republican may question it in an era of universal decarbonisation.

But US President Trump is now turning attention to this most controversial of fossil fuels, in keeping with his single-minded desire to generate more revenues and power to support the new independent, growth-oriented US economy.

“We must encourage and support our nation’s coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilise our grid, create high-paying jobs, support burgeoning industries, and assist our allies,” he said.