{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmt9e3ny70004y80uvi9xy3j1","slug":"mothers-and-health-groups-challenge-coal-for-ai-po-20260826","title":"Mothers and Health Groups Challenge Coal for AI Power","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-08-26T01:02:58.884Z"},"topic":{"slug":"mothers-and-health-groups-challenge-coal-for-ai-po-20260826","category":"science"},"article":{"paragraphs":["Leaders in the MAHA movement have recently urged President Donald Trump to stop promoting coal as a power source for artificial intelligence data centers. The appeal was sent in a letter that has been signed by nearly 200 activists, and it names prominent figures such as Zen Honeycutt, the founder of Moms Across America, and Charles Eisenstein, a former campaign speechwriter. The group argues that while data centers need vast amounts of electricity, burning coal will increase pollution and health risks for children and communities. They note that a 2025 executive order aimed to boost coal use for data centers, and this has raised alarm among MAHA members.","Although the movement does not always speak with one voice, many MAHA activists have focused on chemical exposures and environmental health for years, so their stance on coal is consistent with earlier campaigns. Therefore, they call for cleaner alternatives such as solar and geothermal energy that can meet computing demand without adding soot or toxic metals to soil and water. Furthermore, they ask federal officials to consider public health when setting energy policy, because protecting children’s health is central to the movement’s mission."],"wordCount":191,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"appeal","example":"The group sent an appeal to the government.","phonetic":"/əˈpiːl/","definition":"A formal request asking someone to change a decision or action."},{"word":"pollution","example":"Heavy pollution can harm children’s lungs.","phonetic":"/pəˈluː.ʃən/","definition":"Harmful substances in the air, water, or soil."},{"word":"executive order","example":"The 2025 executive order encouraged coal use.","phonetic":"/ɪɡˈzɛk.jə.tɪv ˈɔːr.dər/","definition":"A rule or action given by the president that affects government policy."},{"word":"geothermal","example":"Geothermal energy can heat buildings without burning fuel.","phonetic":"/ˌdʒiː.oʊˈθɜːr.məl/","definition":"Energy that comes from heat under the earth."}],"quiz":[{"answer":"nearly 200","question":"How many activists have signed the letter?"},{"answer":"solar and geothermal energy","question":"What energy alternatives do they call for?"},{"answer":"Zen Honeycutt","question":"Who is the founder of Moms Across America?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you think new technology should affect how we get energy? Why or why not?"},{"question":"Have you or your family changed habits because of health advice? What changed?"},{"question":"What local energy sources are common in your area?"},{"question":"Would you support a community project to add solar panels? Why?"}]}