An independent energy agency on Monday rejected a Trump administration plan to bolster coal-fired and nuclear power plants, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump’s efforts to boost the struggling coal industry.
The decision by the Republican-controlled Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was unexpected and comes amid repeated promises by Trump to revive coal as the nation’s top power source. The industry has been besieged by multiple bankruptcies and a steady loss of market share as natural gas and renewable energy flourish.
The energy commission said in its decision that despite claims by the administration to the contrary, there is no evidence any past or planned retirements of coal-fired power plants pose a threat to reliability of the nation’s electric grid.
The administration’s plan was opposed by an unusual coalition of business and environmental groups that frequently disagree with each other. Critics said the plan would distort energy markets and raise prices for customers, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.
Energy Secretary Rick Perry thanked the panel Monday for addressing his proposal, which he said had initiated a national debate on the resiliency of the nation’s electric system.