Since 2016, central authorities have zealously ordered a stop to the growth of coal power plants despite the resistance of local authorities mindful of the need to create jobs.[6] The National Energy Administration issued a directive in April 2016 curbing construction of new coal fired plants throughout the country.[7] This was followed up in January 2017 by the NEA with the cancellation of a further 103 coal power plants, eliminating 120 gigawatts of future coal-fired capacity.[6]