Peabody Energy Corp's stock surged 5.77% in pre-market trading on Thursday, driven by significant policy developments from the U.S. government that are expected to bolster the coal industry.

The rally was fueled by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump that calls for U.S. military installations to enter into electricity contracts with coal-fired power plants, creating a new source of demand for coal producers like Peabody Energy. Additionally, the administration announced funding to recommission and upgrade coal plants and is planning to repeal the 2009 "endangerment finding," the legal basis for federal greenhouse-gas regulations.

These actions, unveiled during a "Champion of Coal" event at the White House, represent a substantial regulatory shift in favor of the fossil fuel industry, boosting investor confidence in coal companies.