He’s low-energy after key setback
WASHINGTON — An independent agency on Monday rejected a Trump administration plan to bolster coal-fired and nuclear power plants, dealing a blow to efforts to boost the coal industry. The GOP-controlled Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s decision was unexpected and comes amid President Trump’s repeated promises to revive coal as the nation’s top power source. Multiple bankruptcies and a steady loss of market share have beseiged coal as natural gas and renewable energy flourish. The commission said that despite administration claims, there’s no evidence that past or planned retirements of coal-fired power plants threaten the reliability of the nation’s electric grid. A coalition of business and environmental groups that frequently disagree with each other opposed the plan. Critics said it would distort energy markets and raise prices for customers, especially in the Northeast and Midwest. Energy Secretary Rick Perry thanked the panel for addressing his proposal, which he said initiated a national debate on the resiliency of the nation’s electric system.