Trump administration to allocate $700 million to coal industry
On June 4, President Donald Trump announced plans to allocate $700 million to revitalizing the U.S. coal industry during a press conference.
“We’re taking historic action to bring down the price of energy and the cost of living for all Americans with the power of clean, beautiful coal,” Trump said.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed revisions to a federal implementation plan (FIP) which would remove an Obama-era mandate requiring the closure of Dave Johnston Unit Three in Converse County by the end of 2027.
Bolstering coal
According to a June 6 NBC Washington article, Trump’s announcement invokes the Defense Production Act, a 1950 law which grants presidents broad authority over national security-related industries, and the president says his actions will allow coal plants to invest in upgrades which will extend their operational lives for decades.
In a June 4 Cowboy State Daily article, Claire McFarland reports Trump’s $700 million coal plan includes three key objectives.
First, the plan allocates $425 million to bolster 13 coal plants across the country, which will help mines in Wyoming.
In addition, the plan allocates $75 million to boost construction of a coal export terminal in Oakland, Calif. and will send another $200 million in U.S. Department of Energy grant money to help build two new coal plants in Alaska and West Virginia and to restart a coal plant in Maryland.
White House officials note the announcements are expected to support or create more than 14,000 jobs in coal, construction, rail and maritime industries, according to NBC Washington.
EPA revisions
In addition to Trump’s announcement, the EPA proposed to revise an Obama-era 2014 Wyoming regional haze FIP which would have forced the closure of the Dave Johnston Unit Three power plant in Converse County.
The plant uses local Wyoming coal, supports hundreds of Wyoming mining and energy jobs and is essential to delivering reliable, affordable energy to families across the state, as noted in a June 4 press release issued by the EPA.
Gov. Mark Gordon was present at the White House during Trump’s announcement and thanked the president for his efforts.
In a June 4 press release issued by the governor’s office, Gordon says keeping Dave Johnston Unit Three online is a positive step for Wyoming workers, Wyoming families and everyone who depends on reliable power.
“As the nation’s leading coal-producing state, Wyoming stands ready to partner with the Trump administration, industry leaders and transportation providers to meet growing domestic and international demand,” says the governor.
“The Trump administration recognizes Wyoming has long proven environmental stewardship and energy production can go hand in hand,” Gordon adds. “This proposal reflects a science-driven, sensible approach which relies on real-world data and measurable outcomes rather than predetermined anti-fossil fuel agendas.”
“Keeping Dave Johnston Unit Three available helps preserve reliable baseload power as electricity demand continues to grow, while supporting essential skilled Wyoming workers and communities which have powered America for generations,” Gordon concludes.
Congressional response
Members of Wyoming’s Congressional delegation have applauded Trump’s efforts.
U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) was also present during the June 4 announcement. He claims the proposed EPA regulations will reverse years of harmful regulations and restore commonsense to the agency.
“I applaud Trump for restoring commonsense at the EPA,” Barrasso states. “The Dave Johnston Power Plant runs on Wyoming coal – the cleanest coal in the world.”
“Today’s announcement reverses years of harmful regulations and will ensure this vital Wyoming power plant can keep its doors open and the lights on for families across the Rocky Mountain West,” Barrasso continues. “Wyoming’s energy workers and our coal communities now have the certainty they need to do what they do best – power the country.”
U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) also applauded the announcement, calling the decision “exactly the kind of leadership” America needs.
“Today, Trump made clear he is 150 percent committed to fighting for America’s energy workers, and Wyoming couldn’t be prouder to stand with him,” states Lummis in a June 4 press release. “Directing over $700 million toward coal-fired electricity and export infrastructure is exactly the leadership our nation needs.”
“The growing demands of artificial intelligence and modern industry require more affordable, reliable electricity which coal delivers,” she continues. “The West Gateway export terminal alone will open critical new pathways for Wyoming coal to reach global markets. Americans cannot afford an energy policy that leaves them in the dark, and with this investment, Trump is making sure they never will.”
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) adds, “Through landmark legislation such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and bold executive action, America is once again free to produce affordable and reliable energy from our abundant coal reserves, including those found in Wyoming.”
“This is a return to commonsense which benefits not only our state, but all Americans, and today’s announcement by the EPA to save the Dave Johnston Unit Three coal plant is another win,” Hageman continues. “As we enter the power intensive summer months, and with our nation’s energy needs ever increasing, we need more Wyoming generated power, not less.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
