UPDATE: New reports confirm that the push for artificial intelligence (AI) is keeping coal power alive in the United States, with the retirement of 30 coal-burning units postponed to meet rising energy demands from data centers. This urgent development highlights the troubling intersection of technology and environmental impact.
According to a report from Politico, drawn from the think tank Frontier Group, utilities are now delaying plans that would have seen these aging facilities shut down. Lee Zeldin, the EPA Administrator, emphasized in a recent op-ed that “to meet growing demand from domestic manufacturing and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, America’s coal-powered power plants must remain in operation.”
This shift comes amid a backdrop of significant energy policy changes. Between 2010 and the start of 2019, energy companies announced the closure of 546 coal generating units, representing a staggering 102 gigawatts of energy capacity—equivalent to powering New York City ten times over during summer months.
Despite prior progress towards phasing out coal, recent market conditions are reversing this trend. As noted by Grist back in 2012, the decline of coal was primarily driven by market dynamics rather than environmental regulations. Now, the resurgence of coal is raising serious health concerns. The National Institutes of Health stated that “between 1999 and 2020, 460,000 deaths would not have occurred in the absence of emissions from coal power plants.”
The Trump Administration’s rollback of emissions limits has exacerbated the situation. Almost 70 power plants are currently allowed to bypass EPA regulations regarding mercury and soot until 2027, while the agency formulates more lenient laws. This has raised alarms for public health advocates who fear the consequences of increased coal reliance.
Moreover, Trump’s administration has been criticized for dismantling workplace protections for miners, with unions suing over the delay of crucial silica dust regulations that could save an estimated 1,000 lives. As the demand for AI technology grows, the implications for public health and environmental safety become increasingly dire.
As coal remains a vital source of energy for powering data centers, the immediate future is uncertain. Experts are watching closely to see how policy shifts and market demands will affect the ongoing debate over coal’s role in America’s energy landscape.
This developing story is one to watch, as the intersection of technology and energy policy continues to unfold. The implications for workers, local communities, and environmental health are monumental, with lives hanging in the balance. Share this urgent news to keep others informed about the critical role coal plays in our evolving energy landscape.