The Trump administration declared an energy emergency and ordered five electric utilities to reopen or keep open old coal-burning power plants. Mercury emissions from U.S. coal plants rose about 9 percent in 2025, reversing a years-long decline. Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that causes early death in adults and permanent IQ damage to children. Coal plants also emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The article notes that renewable energy sources like wind and solar had been replacing coal and lowering consumer electric bills before the emergency declaration. The push to keep coal running is linked to campaign donations from coal industry profiteers to Trump.
