EO-14386

Strengthening United States National Defense With America's Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet

Date Issued

Feb 11, 2026

Status

Active

AI Analysis Summary

America First Perspective

Executive Order 14386 emphasizes the strategic importance of coal in maintaining a resilient electric grid, crucial for national defense and economic stability. By prioritizing coal-based energy assets, the order seeks to ensure continuous power for military installations and critical infrastructure. This focus on energy independence is aligned with America's vast coal resources, aiming to reduce reliance on intermittent energy sources and foreign dependencies. For small businesses, particularly those in manufacturing and energy sectors, this could mean more stable energy costs and improved grid reliability, fostering a conducive environment for growth and sustainability.

Sources linked — our analysis adds context.

Small Business Impact

Main Street Wins

The Executive Order supports energy independence, which can stabilize energy costs for small businesses, particularly those in manufacturing that rely on consistent power supply. By enhancing grid reliability, it helps reduce power outages, benefiting small businesses that suffer from operational disruptions. This focus on domestic energy can also stimulate local economies in coal-producing regions, providing more opportunities for small business growth.

Risks to Watch

Small businesses not directly involved in coal or defense sectors may face higher compliance costs if environmental regulations are impacted by increased coal usage. Additionally, reliance on coal could lead to potential regulatory shifts in the future, creating uncertainty for businesses planning long-term investments in renewable energy technologies.

America First Small Business Analysis — includes BLS, Census BFS, and FBI crime trends

Historical Cycle Connection

This EO echoes policies from the Reagan administration, which focused on energy independence and bolstered domestic energy production.
The Trump administration also prioritized coal and fossil fuels, issuing orders to deregulate the energy sector.
Similar to past efforts during the Bush administration, this EO emphasizes national security through energy policy.
The focus on coal mirrors the early 20th-century policies during industrial expansion, where coal was a backbone of economic growth.

Economic & Data Context

BLS / Economic Indicators

The current unemployment rate of 4.3% indicates a stable job market, which this EO aims to support by ensuring energy reliability. Although recent FBI crime data is unavailable, historically, stable energy infrastructure contributes to lower crime rates by promoting economic stability. Small business formation trends from the Census Bureau suggest that energy policy can significantly impact new business viability and growth, particularly in energy-intensive sectors.

Community Poll

Does this executive order help or hurt independent Americans?

Full Text

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 17, 2026)] [Presidential Documents] [Pages 7393-7394] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-03156] [[Page 7391]] Vol. 91 Tuesday, No. 31 February 17, 2026 Part II The President ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Executive Order 14386--Strengthening United States National Defense With America's Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet Presidential Documents Federal Register / Vol. 91 , No. 31 / Tuesday, February 17, 2026 / Presidential Documents ___________________________________________________________________ Title 3-- The President [[Page 7393]] Executive Order 14386 of February 11, 2026 Strengthening United States National Defense With America's Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet Section 1. Purpose. The United States must ensure that our electric grid--upon which military installations, operations, and defense-industrial production depend-- remains resilient and reliable, and not reliant on intermittent energy sources. The grid is the foundation of our national defense as well as our economic stability. Any prolonged disruption caused by energy shortages, foreign supply dependencies, or intermittent generation threatens the operational readiness of our Armed Forces and the safety of the American people. Given our Nation's vast coal resources and the proven reliability of our coal-fired generation fleet in providing continuous, on-demand baseload power, it is imperative that the Department of War (DOW) prioritize the preservation and strategic utilization of coal- based energy assets. Coal generation ensures that military installations, command centers, and defense- industrial bases remain fully powered under all conditions--including natural disasters, or wartime contingencies. Maintaining this capability is a matter of national security, strategic deterrence, and American energy dominance. Sec. 2. Policy. Pursuant to Executive Order 14261 of April 8, 2025 (Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241), and Executive Order 14262 of April 8, 2025 (Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid), it is the policy of the United States that coal is essential to our national and economic security, and that our electric grid must use power generation resources that have abundant fuel supplies capable of extended operations to address the national emergency declared pursuant to Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency). Sec. 3. Power Purchase Agreements with Federal Installations. The Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, shall seek to procure power from the United States coal generation fleet by approving long-term Power Purchase Agreements, or entering into any similar contractual agreements, with coal-fired energy production facilities to serve DOW installations or other mission-critical facilities, with priority given to projects that enhance: (a) grid reliability and blackout prevention; (b) on-site fuel security; and (c) mission assurance for defense and intelligence capabilities. Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. [[Page 7394]] (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the DOW. (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, February 11, 2026. [FR Doc. 2026-03156 Filed 2-13-26; 11:15 am] Billing code 6001-FR-P

Disclaimer: AI-generated analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice. The "Indie vs. Mainstream" comparison reflects generalised media tendencies and does not represent specific outlets. Economic data references are drawn from publicly available training knowledge and may not reflect the latest figures. Always consult primary sources for official guidance.