The Cost of Trump’s Coal & Nuclear Bailout

In July, a study found that the Trump Administration’s draft proposal to subsidize floundering coal and nuclear plants for two years could cost between $9.7 billion and $17.2 billion per year. The study was commissioned by a group of six national energy associations representing oil, wind energy, natural gas, alternative fuels and other interests.

The administration’s draft plan would stop coal and nuclear plants from closing by forcing grid operators to purchase coal and nuclear power, citing national security concerns. A similar plan was unanimously rejected by federal regulators in January. — By Kevin Ridder