## Administration Announces Actions to Revitalize U.S. Coal Industry
The Departments of Energy, Interior, and Environmental Protection Agency have announced a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the American coal industry, following President Trump’s recent executive order focused on strengthening what he calls “America’s beautiful clean coal.” The actions are intended to reduce regulatory hurdles, promote domestic energy production, and support economic growth.
“The American people need more energy, and we are helping to meet this demand by unlocking affordable, reliable, and secure energy sources – including coal,” stated Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Key components of the new strategy include:
* **Executive Order Directives:** The executive order directs several key actions, including:
* Designating coal as a “mineral” to streamline processes.
* Ending the current pause on federal coal leasing.
* Promoting U.S. coal and technology exports.
* Exploring utilizing coal for artificial intelligence initiatives.
* **Regulatory Relief:** The Department of Justice has been instructed to identify and address state or local regulations deemed “unconstitutional” that may be hindering the coal industry.
* **Interior Department Actions:** The Interior Department is lifting the moratorium on federal coal leasing and working to alleviate regulatory burdens for existing coal mines. Secretary Doug Burgum stated, “The Golden Age is here…we are starting to ‘Mine, Baby, Mine’ for clean American coal.”
“Interior is unlocking America’s full potential in energy dominance and economic development to make life more affordable for every American family while showing the world the power of America’s natural resources and innovation,” Burgum added.
* **Department of Energy Initiatives:** The Department of Energy will launch five initiatives designed to strengthen coal innovation and mineral independence:
* Reinstating the National Coal Council, a federal advisory committee.
* Facilitating investment in new coal-powered electricity generation.
* Designating steelmaking coal as a critical material and mineral.
* Deploying technology to extract minerals from coal ash.
* Commercializing technologies for recovering minerals from coal ash, decreasing reliance on foreign sources.
* **Financial Support:** The Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program will allocate $200 billion in financing for coal energy investments, including upgrades and new facilities.
“The Energy Department is committed to restoring American energy dominance and strengthening America’s industrial base,” the department stated.
* **EPA Grants:** The EPA will provide $5.8 million in State and Tribal Assistance Grants to support state implementation of coal combustion residual programs.
* **Trump’s Vision:** The administration views boosting domestic energy production as a crucial element of national security and economic prosperity, aiming for U.S. energy independence.
“We will develop the liquid gold that is right under our feet…including American oil and natural gas and we will also embrace nuclear, clean coal, hydropower, which is fantastic, and every other form of affordable energy to get it done,” Trump stated.
The administration emphasizes its commitment to supporting diverse energy sources while reducing regulatory burdens. As EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin noted:
“President Trump is delivering on the mandate Americans gave him last November by empowering different forms of domestic energy… We are committed to supporting all forms of energy, including clean beautiful coal.”
