Trump Announces Funding To Reopen Coal Plants, Including AES

President Donald Trump on Thursday made a bold move, invoking the Defense Production Act to help the country deal with rising power prices. The president is making $700 million dollars available to build coal plants in West Virginia and Alaska as well as providing funding for the reopening of 14 coal plants. AES Warrior Run in Cumberland was included in that list. Trump said the move helps Americans at a critical time…

“The action will allow these facilities to invest in upgrades that will extend their operational lives for decades into the future, reinforce the reliability of our electric grid, which is the biggest beneficiary, and more importantly keep electricity prices very low for the American people.”

Late Thursday the Moore Administration, in a statement to WCBC, said that AES shared with state leaders that they are exploring a transition to battery storage for the Cumberland plant rather than coal power. The state will monitor how the project meets Maryland’s standards and priorities.