200 MAHA Activists Urge Trump to Oppose Increased Coal Use for AI Data Centers

Approximately 200 activists from the MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) movement have demanded that U.S. President Donald Trump not increase coal usage due to the power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. As the expansion of AI infrastructure raises concerns over electricity costs, water usage, and air quality, internal dissent against the Trump administration's coal and data center policies has surfaced.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the activists, connected to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sent an open letter to President Trump, Secretary Kennedy, and several cabinet members. The letter is titled "President Trump, Please Put America's Health First in the AI Boom."

The letter calls for alternatives such as solar and geothermal energy to be considered instead of burning more coal to secure power for data centers. It also emphasizes the need for transparent reviews of data center locations and power procurement methods, insisting that existing environmental review processes be followed.

Notable signatories include Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America, and Charles Eisenstein, a former speechwriter for Kennedy. The letter argues that "America's AI leadership should not impose a more toxic burden on children," highlighting health and environmental concerns over AI competitiveness.

This dissent aligns with existing policies of the Trump administration. In an executive order dated July 23, 2025, the White House defined AI inference, training, and simulation facilities requiring new power loads exceeding 100 MW as "Data Center Projects." The components of data centers in the same document include transmission lines, gas turbines, nuclear facilities, geothermal installations, and coal power plants.

In another executive order dated April 8, 2025, the White House mentioned the increasing power demands from AI data processing centers and classified the expansion of coal production and usage as a national energy and security issue. It also directed the promotion of coal mining and leasing on federal lands and the identification of coal-based infrastructure areas to support AI data centers.

Data centers typically require large-scale servers and cooling facilities to operate 24/7, making power procurement a key cost factor. As the demand for generative AI and large model training grows, issues surrounding power grid connections, energy sources, and local permits become contentious. This letter addresses not only coal but also the methods of power procurement and environmental reviews.

The controversy surrounding data centers has already become a political issue in the U.S. The AP reported that data centers are causing voter backlash due to electricity costs, water supply, air quality, and noise issues. This publication has previously covered the trend of AI data centers becoming a topic in U.S. elections.

State-level responses are also emerging. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has stated that he will impose stricter conditions to prevent data centers from passing on electricity costs, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also shifted towards regulatory tightening. The structure of attracting data centers generates expectations for local investment and jobs while simultaneously escalating resident burden controversies.

Promises surrounding electricity cost burdens are also a point of contention. The White House announced that on March 5, 2026, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI signed the "Ratepayer Protection Pledge" to ensure that data center electricity costs are not passed on to households.

Reuters reported that this pledge, set for July 24, 2026, is non-binding, and consumer groups view it as a "hollow promise." While the industry and the White House convey a message that data center electricity costs will not be passed on to users, critics argue that the lack of enforceability is a significant issue.

The burden of electricity costs has already become a local issue. Reuters reported that the fuel costs of Virginia's largest utility, Dominion, have increased by about 90% over five years due to data center demand. Concerns have grown regarding whether the burden of data centers is being passed on to residents' electricity bills.

For crypto readers, this issue is more about signals regarding power infrastructure than coin prices. The expansion of AI data centers touches on transmission networks, energy sources, permitting processes, and local acceptance simultaneously. No direct impact on the Bitcoin (BTC) or Ethereum (ETH) markets has been indicated.

This open letter does not constitute a binding policy change. However, as public opposition to coal-based AI power policies emerges within Trump's support base, debates surrounding data center permits and electricity cost burdens are expected to continue at both state and federal levels.

This content is provided for general informational purposes only and doesn't constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Any events, rewards, online promotions, or related information mentioned herein should not be considered a recommendation, solicitation, or invitation to purchase, sell, trade, or otherwise deal in any crypto assets. Crypto assets are highly volatile and may result in loss. The availability of WEEX services, products, and related events may vary by region. You are responsible for ensuring that your participation is in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.