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Executive Order 14386
Strengthening United States National Defense With America's Beautiful Clean Coal Power Generation Fleet
Signed February 11, 2026, printed at 91 FR 7393. 3 sections of substance, 617 words.
This order is about the power grid. It says coal plants keep the grid steady. It ties that to the needs of the armed forces.
Sec. 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
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
This states the case the order makes. It says the power grid must stay reliable. Bases and defense plants depend on it. It says the grid must not lean on sources that come and go. It says an outage would hurt military readiness. It points to the country's coal reserves. It says coal plants give steady power on demand.
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).
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).
This states the policy. Two April 2025 orders back it. One aimed to revive coal. The other aimed to steady the grid. The policy calls coal vital to security. It says the economy needs it too. It says the grid must use fuels that last. Long runs must be possible. A January 2025 order declared an 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.
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.
This tells the war secretary to buy coal power. Energy works with it. Long term purchase deals are the tool. Similar contracts may serve. Coal plants would supply military bases. Other key sites count too. Projects that steady the grid come first. So do those with fuel kept on site. So do those that protect defense work.
Sec. 4. General Provisions
Every order carries this. It is not what the order does.
(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. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, February 11, 2026. [FR Doc.
(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. <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT> (Presidential Sig.) THE WHITE HOUSE, February 11, 2026. [FR Doc.
This is the closing clause that nearly every order carries. It says the order does not change what the law already allows. It also says no one can sue to enforce it.
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