Rep. Crane Celebrates Trump’s Game-Changing Executive Order for Cholla Power Plant’s Future

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona Republican Congressman Eli Crane (R-AZ-02) has voiced his support for President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order aimed at keeping the Cholla Power Plant in Navajo County operational. In a statement, Crane praised the action as a crucial step in preserving jobs and livelihoods for Arizonans. “President Trump takes decisive action when others ignore the voice of the people,” he remarked. “This is a significant victory for Navajo County and all those involved in the coal industry.”

During the signing of the Executive Order, Trump articulated his intentions clearly, saying, “I am instructing Secretary Wright to save the Cholla coal plant in Arizona, which has been slated for destruction. We’re going to keep those coal miners on the job.” The emphasis on coal production aims at ensuring energy independence and economic competitiveness for the United States.

The Executive Order’s text noted that America’s coal resources possess an estimated value in the trillions of dollars, capable of supporting not just domestic energy needs but also enabling exports. Additionally, it highlighted the need for coal to meet increasing electricity demands, spurred by a revival in domestic manufacturing and the growth of artificial intelligence infrastructures.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren also expressed his approval, stating that the Executive Order represents a watershed moment for U.S. energy policy. He stressed the necessity of including tribal nations in discussions about energy production and the implications of previous policies that have negatively impacted coal. Nygren emphasized, “Coal is more than an export; it has powered our homes and economy for generations.”

Despite the apparent optimism surrounding the Executive Order, a statement from Arizona Public Service (APS), the owner of Cholla Power Plant, presented a more complicated picture. APS had ceased power generation at Cholla the previous month, citing regulatory constraints and economic unfeasibility. The utility indicated plans to maintain the site for potential future uses but has already secured alternative energy sources to replace Cholla’s output.

Questions arise regarding the plant’s operational future in light of APS’s contradictory stance.

For continuous updates, contact Matthew Holloway at Matthew@azfreenews.com.