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The Trump administration’s energy policy decision to maintain five coal-fired power plants proved critical during the recent massive winter storm that swept across the eastern United States, according to exclusive comments from the Energy Department to Fox News Digital.
Secretary Chris Wright issued several emergency orders from the weekend through Tuesday that allowed power plants to operate beyond levels set by EPA regulations established during the Biden administration. This departure from previous policy enabled grid providers to draw more fossil fuel-based energy in vulnerable areas hit by the storm.
“How power sources perform during peak electricity demand reveal their true value,” Energy Department press secretary Ben Dietderich told Fox News Digital. “Across the country, wind and solar generation plummeted while natural gas, coal and oil plants did the majority of the work keeping the lights on during the storm.”
The Energy Department claims this intervention was vital to maintaining power stability during extreme weather conditions. According to department officials, the Trump administration preserved 17 gigawatts of coal power that were scheduled for closure under Biden-era regulations aimed at transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy sources.
In preparation for the storm, Wright informed grid operators to be ready to utilize more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation nationwide, sourced from facilities ranging from data centers to big-box stores. These emergency orders bypassed prior environmental regulations, creating what officials described as a substantial buffer against potential blackouts and avoiding hundreds of millions in emergency costs for Americans.
The department emphasized that a single gigawatt is sufficient to power the entire Denver metropolitan area, Secretary Wright’s hometown, highlighting the scale of the energy reserves made available.
As the severe weather conditions unfolded, traditional energy sources dominated the power supply across affected regions. According to the Energy Department, hydrocarbons and coal provided 68% of the power in storm-affected areas, while wind and solar accounted for only 10% of energy utilized.
This disparity was particularly notable in New England, a region often championed for its renewable energy initiatives, where nearly two-thirds of the energy used during the crisis came from hydrocarbon-based or coal-fired power sources. Department data indicated that American coal power alone supplied enough electricity for 30 million homes across the storm’s path.
Dietderich claimed that under the previous administration’s policies, America was “on track to see blackouts increase 100 times over by 2030.” He added that the Trump administration remains committed to “unleashing affordable and reliable energy that works — whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining,” referencing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
As the storm approached, Wright had stated that the administration “will not stand by and allow the previous administration’s reckless energy subtraction policies and bureaucratic red tape put American lives at risk.”
The Energy Department’s emergency preparations were specifically designed to prioritize maintaining power supply during extreme weather events, focusing on energy sources that could operate reliably during adverse conditions.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between environmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and concerns about grid reliability during extreme weather events. While the Biden administration had pushed for accelerated transition to renewable energy sources, the current administration argues that traditional energy sources remain essential for maintaining grid stability during high-demand periods, particularly during severe winter conditions when solar generation decreases and wind patterns may be disrupted.
Fox News Digital reported reaching out to representatives of former President Biden for comment on the Energy Department’s claims, but no response was mentioned in the report.
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10 Comments
While renewable energy is important, this case shows the continued value of traditional fossil fuel plants for grid reliability, at least in the short-term. It’s a nuanced issue without easy solutions.
Agreed, it’s a difficult balance to strike. Maintaining grid stability during emergencies is critical, even if it means relying more on fossil fuels temporarily.
This is a complex issue without clear-cut solutions. Policymakers must carefully weigh the trade-offs between grid stability, cost, and environmental impact. Flexibility and a nuanced approach will be key going forward.
This policy reversal seems to have played a key role in avoiding grid failure during the recent snowstorm. It highlights the need for a balanced and resilient energy mix, not just reliance on renewable sources.
You make a fair point. Renewable sources have their limitations during extreme conditions, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diverse energy portfolio.
This is a prime example of the tradeoffs involved in energy policy. Reliability and affordability must be weighed against environmental concerns. There are no easy answers, but this event provides valuable lessons.
The decision to keep coal plants operating likely prevented a major grid failure, which would have been disastrous. But it also raises questions about the long-term transition to cleaner energy sources.
While the policy reversal was necessary to avert a grid failure, it also highlights the fragility of our current energy infrastructure. Investing in more resilient and diverse energy sources should be a priority.
Interesting to see how energy policy decisions during extreme weather events can have a major impact on grid stability. It’s a complex issue with tradeoffs to consider around emissions, reliability, and cost.
The Energy Department’s intervention demonstrates the importance of maintaining a balanced energy portfolio, even as we work towards a cleaner future. Reliability cannot be sacrificed in the name of emissions reduction.