Strengthening United States National Defense With America's Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet
Directs the Department of War to pursue long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired power plants to supply military installations and other mission-critical defense facilities.
Establishes coal-fired generation as a national-security energy priority, citing the need for reliable baseload power at military installations under all conditions, including natural disasters and wartime contingencies.
What this order does
What it orders
The order directs the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, to seek long-term Power Purchase Agreements — or similar contractual arrangements — with coal-fired energy production facilities to supply power to Department of War installations and other mission-critical facilities. Project selection is to prioritize three criteria: grid reliability and blackout prevention, on-site fuel security, and mission assurance for defense and intelligence capabilities.
Implementation is expressly subject to the availability of appropriations and must be consistent with applicable law. The order does not create any legally enforceable rights for any party. It is framed as an extension of prior executive orders that declared a national energy emergency and directed federal support for coal-fired generation.
Who it affects
Military installations and mission-critical defense facilities served by the Department of War, coal-fired power plant operators eligible to bid on long-term federal power contracts, and the Department of Energy, which is required to coordinate on procurement decisions.
Why it matters
Coal-fired power plants gain a new federal customer actively seeking long-term contracts, potentially stabilizing demand for that generation fleet. Military installations shift toward coal-sourced power as a baseload energy strategy, affecting how defense energy needs are planned and funded.
What must happen and when
How the order is supposed to work
The Secretary of War leads procurement efforts in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, with no specific deadlines, dollar thresholds, or minimum contract terms set. The directive to "seek to procure" leaves significant discretion in the Secretary's hands. Project selection is guided by three stated priority criteria. Because implementation is subject to appropriations, any signed agreements would require congressional funding. No reporting requirements, oversight mechanisms, or enforcement teeth are specified in the order.
Actions and deadlines
- Seek and approve long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired energy facilities serving Department of War installations and mission-critical facilities