Although Ashley Williams is disappointed to see a federal agency endorse the nation’s coal industry, she isn’t surprised.

“It’s just environmentally and economically reckless to resuscitate a dying industry,” said Williams, executive director of Just Transition Northwest Indiana. “It’s a disservice to every worker, every coal-impacted resident out there. … (The government) should support coal-impacted communities to be able to transition to the next stage beyond fossil fuels.”

The U.S. Department of Energy, in a Monday news release, announced that it’s investing $625 million to “expand and reinvigorate” coal plants nationwide.

Indiana environmental activists worry about what this means for the future of renewable energy statewide, especially with the rise of data centers.

The DOE’s fun

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