Climate Changed
An Obscure Statute Is Helping Trump Save U.S. Coal, Nuclear
- Rule would allow certain plants to recover operating costs
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has 60 days to respond
Trump Says He's Ending the War on Coal
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The Trump administration is taking advantage of an obscure 30-year-old statute to make good on a promise to help America’s ailing coal industry.
Rick Perry is using an authority granted to him as U.S. energy secretary to call on the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to change its rules and help coal and nuclear plants compete in wholesale power markets. Perry said he’s seeking to ensure dependable power plants recover “a fair rate of return.” Those capable of storing 90 days of fuel supplies at their sites, such as coal and nuclear generators, would be eligible.