Charleston, W.Va. — America’s Coal Associations joined together to applaud President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of approximately $700 million in federal investment to strengthen America’s coal fleet, open up export opportunities for western producers and jump start the next generation of coal fired power facilities in West Virginia and Alaska.

The initiative, led by the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council and U.S. Department of Energy includes $185 million in grant funding to support new coal generation projects in West Virginia and Alaska. The plan also directs $425 million to upgrade 13 existing coal-fired power plants nationwide which in turn supports 42 coal mining operations in multiple states and $75 million to enhance coal export infrastructure in Oakland, California.

“This is, simply, incredible news, and possibly one of the most impactful announcements for the West Virginia coal industry since Congress mandated coal be used as a feedstock for electricity generation fifty years ago,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. “This is a major victory for our industry, our workers, and the future of American energy independence.”

Sam McKown, President, Kentucky Coal Association expressed his support for the President Trump and his energy team of Secretaries Chris Wright, Doug Burgum and Administrator Lee Zeldin. — “We commend President Trump and his energy team for continuing to recognize what we have long known — that coal remains essential to a reliable, resilient, and secure electric grid. This funding sends a clear signal that America is serious about energy security,” 

“Opening up the Oakland terminal is long overdue and will provide coal producers in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana and the Dakota’s with the opportunity to participate in global markets for coal presented by the record levels of coal being consumed around the world” said Travis Deti, Executive Director of Wyoming’s Mining Association. 

Emily Arthun President CEO with America Coal Council emphasized that investment in both new and existing coal facilities will help modernize the nation’s energy infrastructure while supporting high-paying jobs across America — “By investing in next-generation coal technologies and strengthening existing plants, this administration is ensuring that coal and our coal miners continue to play a vital role in meeting America’s growing energy demands.”  

"President Trump's commitment to energy reliability is on full display with yesterday's announcement, which recognizes the critical role coal plays in maintaining grid reliability and economic growth." "This administration understands that the most immediate way to meet growing demand is to preserve and invest in the generation assets ratepayers have already funded and communities already depend upon." said Savannah Kerstiens, President of Reliable Energy. 

America’s Coal Associations looks forward to working with federal and state partners to ensure the successful deployment of these resources and to continue advancing policies that support coal communities and domestic energy production.

For more information, contact Chris Hamilton at (304) 342-4153 or visit  americascoalassociations.org 

America’s Coal Associations are comprised of the following state mining associations and coal advocacy groups which account for 381,000 men and woman who are employed by the nation’s coal industry and $261 Billion in annual economic impact. America’s Coal Associations members mine both high grade thermal coal used to generate electricity and the world’s finest metallurgical coals used around the country and world for steel building an infrastructure build out. 

• Alabama Mining Association
• America’s Power 
• American Coal Council 
• Energy Policy Network
• Illinois Coal Association 
• Kentucky Coal Association 
• Montana Coal Council 
• National Mining Association 
• Ohio Coal Association 
• Pennsylvania Coal Alliance 
• Reliable Energy, Inc.
• Rocky Mountain Mining Institute 
• Tennessee Mining Association
• Texas Mining & Reclamation Association 
• Utah Mining Association 
• West Virginia Coal Association
• Women’s Mining Coalition 
• Wyoming Mining Association