AsianFin -- US President Donald Trump has vowed to counter China’s economic edge in coal-based electricity by authorizing increased production of power from the fossil fuel.

“I am authorizing my Administration to immediately begin producing Energy with BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN COAL,” Trump declared in a social media post.

However, it remains unclear what specific actions Trump intends to take or how his statement will translate into policy. He has already signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency, directing the Environmental Protection Agency to enhance fossil fuel production and distribution.

Coal currently generates about 15% of US electricity, down from over 50% in 2000, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Its decline has been driven by competition from renewables and inexpensive natural gas, as well as federal regulations that have increased operational costs.

Despite these challenges, Trump could invoke emergency powers to revive coal-fired electricity—an approach reminiscent of his first term when officials considered requiring grid operators to purchase power from struggling coal and nuclear plants.

Last week, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told Bloomberg Television that the administration is exploring emergency measures to reopen shuttered coal plants and prevent further closures. Additionally, Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated earlier this month that officials are working on a “market-based” strategy to slow the decline of US coal-fired power.