This Executive Order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on February 11, 2026, mandates that the Department of War (DOW) prioritize coal-fired energy to ensure the resilience and reliability of the United States electric grid for military and national defense purposes.
The order argues that the electric grid is the foundation of national defense and economic stability. It asserts that reliance on "intermittent energy sources" (such as wind or solar) poses a risk to the operational readiness of the Armed Forces. In contrast, coal is highlighted for its ability to provide continuous, on-demand baseload power during natural disasters or wartime contingencies.
The administration frames this move as a critical step toward achieving American energy dominance and strengthening strategic deterrence. By shifting military energy procurement toward coal, the order seeks to ensure that command centers and defense-industrial bases remain fully powered under all conditions, independent of weather-dependent or foreign-supplied energy.
Core ObjectivesKey ProvisionsConclusion