WASHINGTON – U.S. utilities plan to close 75 coal and nuclear power units in the next three years, according to federal data compiled by the Environmental Working Group. But the Trump administration is telling other nations that coal and nuclear power can help fight climate change.
A new EWG report, Picking Losers, analyzes data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Energy Information Administration showing how cheaper and cleaner solar and wind power have grown rapidly – one reason driving coal and nuclear plants out of the competitive wholesale market for electricity. By 2020, utilities are proposing to close another 68 coal units and seven nuclear reactors, which is why the coal and nuclear industries are desperate for the billions in taxpayer subsidies Energy Secretary Rick Perry is pushing.
EWG’s analysis comes as officials with the Trump administration attempted today to promote coal and nuclear power as answers to climate change at the United Nations global warming conference in Bonn, Germany. It didn’t go well.
“Championing fossil fuels to fight climate change is like passing out candy to cure diabetes," said EWG President Ken Cook. “The administration's 'alternative facts' can't change the facts climate change is real and fossil fuels are the main cause of it. President Trump is fond of mocking 'losers,' so why is he supporting energy choices that have already lost?"