Central ND News

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak from North Dakota expressed her support following the signing of a series of Executive Orders by President Donald Trump aimed at bolstering the U.S. coal industry. President Trump's orders are designed to support domestic electricity production and maintain the operation of critical coal-fired power plants.

In her statement, Fedorchak emphasized the reliability and abundance of coal as essential for American energy dominance. "Today, President Trump affirmed what North Dakotans have known: coal is reliable, abundant, and essential to American energy dominance. At a time when reliable baseload power is being shut down without adequate replacement, his Executive Orders are exactly what we need," said Fedorchak. She pointed out the rising demand for electricity, especially due to AI and data centers, and underscored the importance of always-available power which coal provides.

North Dakota has been at the forefront of clean coal innovation, according to Fedorchak. She highlighted the state's leadership in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies, which are geared towards reducing emissions while ensuring consistent power supply. "We know how to produce energy that’s clean, affordable, and reliable—and we’re ready to ramp up to help power America’s future," Fedorchak added.

The Executive Orders signed by President Trump invoke emergency authorities to prevent the shutdown of crucial coal-fired power plants and allow utilities to bypass certain federal regulations temporarily. These measures are based on provisions in the Federal Power Act.

Fedorchak recently introduced a resolution addressing the growing threats to the reliability of America’s electric grid. The resolution cautions against the early closure of baseload power sources like coal and natural gas without reliable replacements.

Further insights from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) 2024 Long-Term Reliability Assessment indicate that over 115,000 megawatts (MW) of fossil fuel-fired generation capacity are projected to retire by 2034. NERC warns that such retirements, if not managed carefully, could reduce power reserves below safe thresholds, especially during peak winter periods.

North Dakota's coal industry is noted for its environmental stewardship, including adherence to federal ambient air quality standards. The state, with nearly 4,000 MW of coal generation, is positioning itself as a national example of balancing energy reliability with environmental responsibility.