The US Power Grid Is Being Hijacked by Data Centers, Keeping Coal on Life Support
In a shocking twist, America's aging energy infrastructure is being repurposed to fuel the rapid growth of data centers, leaving coal - a polluting and environmentally devastating energy source - to cling to life. The Politico report reveals that utilities are putting their plans to retire 30 coal-burning units on hold, citing an insatiable demand for electricity from these massive information hubs.
The administration's stance is stark: America needs its coal-fired powerplants to remain operational in order to support growing domestic manufacturing and the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers. "To meet growing demand from domestic manufacturing and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, America's coal-powered powerplants must remain in operation," says EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
This development is a far cry from the Obama era, when US energy companies announced plans to decommission 546 coal-generating units - a massive undertaking equivalent to New York City in size. The decline of coal was initially attributed to environmental regulations, but changing market conditions have now brought it back.
According to a report on the National Institutes of Health website, the continued operation of these coal powerplants has prevented an estimated 460,000 deaths between 1999 and 2020, if cleaner energy sources had been used instead. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is further eroding environmental safeguards by allowing almost 70 power plants to ignore 2027 mercury-and-soot limitations from the EPA.
As the administration seeks to revive the coal industry, it has done so at a terrible human cost. Unions have sued the administration over its decision to pause long-sought silica dust regulations, which would have saved an estimated 1,000 lives. Trump's praise for "beautiful, clean coal" rings hollow in light of these devastating consequences.
In essence, the US power grid is being hijacked by data centers, and coal - a dying industry that was once touted as a symbol of American prosperity - is now clinging to life on the back of this insatiable demand. As workers and bystanders bear the brunt of its deadly effects, it remains to be seen what the future holds for America's energy landscape.
In a shocking twist, America's aging energy infrastructure is being repurposed to fuel the rapid growth of data centers, leaving coal - a polluting and environmentally devastating energy source - to cling to life. The Politico report reveals that utilities are putting their plans to retire 30 coal-burning units on hold, citing an insatiable demand for electricity from these massive information hubs.
The administration's stance is stark: America needs its coal-fired powerplants to remain operational in order to support growing domestic manufacturing and the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers. "To meet growing demand from domestic manufacturing and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, America's coal-powered powerplants must remain in operation," says EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
This development is a far cry from the Obama era, when US energy companies announced plans to decommission 546 coal-generating units - a massive undertaking equivalent to New York City in size. The decline of coal was initially attributed to environmental regulations, but changing market conditions have now brought it back.
According to a report on the National Institutes of Health website, the continued operation of these coal powerplants has prevented an estimated 460,000 deaths between 1999 and 2020, if cleaner energy sources had been used instead. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is further eroding environmental safeguards by allowing almost 70 power plants to ignore 2027 mercury-and-soot limitations from the EPA.
As the administration seeks to revive the coal industry, it has done so at a terrible human cost. Unions have sued the administration over its decision to pause long-sought silica dust regulations, which would have saved an estimated 1,000 lives. Trump's praise for "beautiful, clean coal" rings hollow in light of these devastating consequences.
In essence, the US power grid is being hijacked by data centers, and coal - a dying industry that was once touted as a symbol of American prosperity - is now clinging to life on the back of this insatiable demand. As workers and bystanders bear the brunt of its deadly effects, it remains to be seen what the future holds for America's energy landscape.
. The US is basically saying that the environment doesn't matter as long as data centers keep growing and they need coal to power them 
. I mean, come on, 460,000 deaths if cleaner energy sources were used? That's insane 
. And it's not like this was something Obama suddenly decided to reverse – market conditions have changed and now the admin is all about reviving the coal industry 
.
. The thing is, data centers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, but coal needs to go 
. It's a weird paradox that I'm not sure how to wrap my head around...
, how can we turn back time? Interesting 
, US has changed so much since Obama era, it's like they're taking steps back 
like they're vampires or something idk why ppl still think clean energy isn't an option lol anyways if 460k deaths per yr is a thing then maybe we shd reconsider our priorities 
also what's with the 460k deaths stat? sounds legit till someone fact-checks it for me 
btw why are we still relying on coal when we know its bad for us?
my heart sinks thinking about all these poor lives lost because of dirty coal power! 
460k deaths? That's just insane... and we're still not even fully over the mercury-and-soot pollution stuff 
I get that data centers need power, but can't they use solar or wind energy instead? It seems like such a no-brainer to me... 
