DOE and EPA officials tout deregulation and coal support during Utah visit

During a Coal Innovation Market Strategies event in Park City, EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi announced that the agency is shifting away from the prior administration's aggressive stance on coal, emphasizing the need for reliable, affordable baseload power. He said the EPA is reviewing past regulations to determine if they still serve their intended purpose or unnecessarily burden domestic coal production. DOE Deputy Secretary James Danly echoed this view, labeling earlier policies as "really, really bad" and suggesting that abandoning coal assets contributes to rising electricity costs.

Danly also warned that without permitting requirements, costly projects such as space-based data centers are being considered. The agencies are moving forward with a final rule under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act that would curb state use of certifications to block infrastructure projects. Both officials expressed confidence that the United States can expand coal exports while protecting health and the environment.