Strengthening United States National Defense With America’S Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet
Summary
This executive order mandates the Department of War (DOW) to prioritize coal-fired energy for military installations and defense-industrial bases. It directs the DOW to enter into long-term power purchase agreements with coal-fired energy production facilities. The goal is to ensure a reliable and resilient electric grid for national defense, reducing reliance on intermittent energy sources and foreign supplies.
Expected Effects
The order will likely increase demand for coal, potentially stabilizing or increasing coal production and related jobs. It may also lead to increased investment in coal-fired power plants serving military facilities. Conversely, it could slow the transition to renewable energy sources within the defense sector.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures reliable power supply for critical military infrastructure.
- Supports domestic coal industry and related employment.
- Reduces reliance on potentially unstable foreign energy sources.
- Enhances energy security for national defense purposes.
- May lead to grid reliability improvements in specific regions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increases reliance on a carbon-intensive energy source.
- Potentially hinders the development and adoption of cleaner energy alternatives.
- May lead to increased air and water pollution in coal-producing regions.
- Could conflict with broader climate change mitigation goals.
- Potential for stranded assets if coal becomes less economically viable in the future.
Constitutional Alignment
The order cites the need to "provide for the common defence," which aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on national security (Preamble). However, the order's potential impact on environmental protection could raise questions about its alignment with the "general Welfare" clause (Preamble). The executive order does not appear to infringe on any specific rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).