South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with 22 other state attorneys general, has expressed support for President Trump’s initiative to boost U.S. energy production. The coalition emphasizes the importance of this move for national security and economic prosperity.
The group sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum backing President Trump’s plans. They argue that expanding fossil fuel energy sources is essential to meet the nation’s growing electricity needs. “This is not about politics or preferences,” stated Attorney General Wilson. “If we don’t start producing more electricity by expanding fossil fuel energy sources, large parts of this country won’t have the power they need for everyday life.”
The letter highlights concerns over renewable energy’s reliability and cites projections from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation warning of potential power grid issues without increased fossil fuel production.
President Trump’s Executive Order 14156 addresses what he terms a national energy emergency by revitalizing traditional energy sources such as coal-fired power plants. The attorneys general criticize policies from the Biden administration that they claim have reduced U.S. energy output, resulting in historically low coal production levels.
They also point out the rising demand for electricity driven by artificial intelligence advancements, cautioning that without increased coal-fired energy production, the U.S. may struggle to meet future power demands. This shortfall could allow China to surpass the United States as a leader in AI technology.
The coalition argues that failing to address these issues could pose threats to both prosperity and national security.
Attorneys general from West Virginia, North Dakota, Wyoming (who led the letter), Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia joined Attorney General Wilson in signing the letter.
