Revision History

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act of 1950 to direct approximately $700 million in federal funds toward refurbishing coal plants, building new ones, and constructing an export terminal — the most aggressive federal intervention in the coal sector in decades. The move raises constitutional questions about the use of wartime powers for a shrinking industry, faces legal challenges from five states and environmental groups, and sets a precedent for future executive-branch spending outside congressional appropriation.