October 28, 2026 - Federal policies supporting coal-fired electricity generation now affect nearly half of the operating U.S. coal plants examined in a new Environmental Defense Fund analysis.

The environmental advocacy organization reviewed 184 operating, grid-connected coal plants and identified 90 receiving one or more forms of federal support. Those measures include Department of Energy funding, exemptions from certain emissions requirements and emergency orders extending operations beyond planned retirement dates.

The Trump administration has promoted these policies as a way to preserve dependable generating capacity, maintain electricity supplies and avoid the expense of replacing existing plants. EDF questions whether the benefits justify the financial and environmental costs.

Funding for Plant Improvements

According to EDF, 24 coal plants are identified for a combined $950 million in federal support.

That includes $525 million announced in September 2025 to support refurbishment projects at up to 11 plants, along with $425 million announced in June to expand and revitalize 13 additional facilities.

These amounts represent announced support and should not be interpreted as confirmation that all funding has been disbursed or that the projects are complete.

Emissions Requirements

EDF also identified 70 coal plants receiving exemptions from certain Biden-era limits on mercury and other hazardous air pollutants.

The administration has argued that regulatory relief can help prevent premature plant retirements. EDF maintains that stronger pollution controls would provide public-health benefits and disputes the administration’s assessment of compliance costs.

EPA subsequently rescinded the underlying Biden-era requirements. Legal challenges could affect the eventual regulatory obligations for plant operators.

Emergency Operating Orders

DOE has used its emergency authority to require six coal plants to remain available beyond their planned retirement dates.

The department says preserving existing generation supports grid reliability. EDF estimates that extended operations at these facilities through June 2026 imposed up to $593 million in costs on utility customers and up to $860 million in health-related damages. These are EDF’s estimates rather than independently established totals.

In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the original, already-expired emergency order concerning Michigan’s J.H. Campbell plant. Bloomberg Law subsequently reported that DOE requested rehearing on October 26. That request does not constitute a decision granting rehearing or reversing the September ruling.

Assessing Costs and Benefits

DOE has estimated that preserving coal-fired generating capacity could avoid approximately $50 billion in replacement costs. EDF and other researchers argue that alternative generation and storage could offer savings at many locations.

These assessments address different costs, assumptions and time periods. Evaluating individual plants requires consideration of operating expenses, replacement resources, transmission needs, reliability requirements and environmental impacts.