Wyoming Leaders Support Trump’s Executive Order on Coal

Wyoming representatives have voiced strong support for President Donald Trump’s new executive order, the “Unleashing American Energy Executive Order,” which aims to boost coal production and expand its use in the US and abroad.

Signed on Tuesday, the order directs federal agencies to identify federal lands suitable for coal mining and prioritizes leasing opportunities for these resources. Additionally, it seeks to promote US coal exports and explore new uses for coal, including powering AI data centers.

At the signing event in Washington, DC, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon was present alongside Trump, Cabinet Secretaries Doug Burgum and Chris Wright, Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation, and industry leaders.

Gov. Gordon praised the executive order, calling it a significant step for Wyoming, the nation’s largest coal-producing state.

“This is a great day for Wyoming coal,” Gordon said. “We produce more coal than any other state in the nation. These executive orders will be impactful for our state’s coal industry and help ensure Wyoming coal meets our nation’s growing energy demand.”

Senator Cynthia Lummis echoed this sentiment, referring to the order as “pro-coal” and a necessary reversal of past policies.

“The previous administration’s policies cost good-paying jobs, increased energy costs, and weakened our energy independence,” Lummis said. “President Trump knows that increasing American energy production is a strength, not a weakness.”

Senator John Barrasso also applauded the move, emphasizing coal’s reliability and affordability.

“Coal remains one of the most affordable, reliable, and abundant sources of energy on the planet,” Barrasso said. “Senator Lummis and I will always support Wyoming coal miners.”

Wyoming Secretary of State Chuck Gray similarly welcomed the order, reinforcing the state’s commitment to its coal industry.

The order aims to remove regulatory barriers to coal mining and accelerate the permitting process for new mines on federal lands. Additionally, it grants coal-fired power plants a temporary exemption from certain federal environmental regulations.

Trump, who has long promoted US coal, called it “liquid gold under our feet” and emphasized its role in stabilizing the nation’s power grid, lowering electricity costs, and creating high-paying jobs.

The coal industry welcomed the executive order, arguing that it will help sustain jobs and keep power plants operational.

“Despite warnings of an electricity supply crisis, previous energy policies unfairly targeted coal,” said National Mining Association President Rich Nolan. “President Trump’s actions will help keep the lights on and support American energy abundance.”

However, environmental groups and some state officials expressed concerns about the long-term impact of relying on coal.

“Coal plants are old, costly, and polluting,” said Kit Kennedy, an energy expert with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “This order prioritizes outdated energy sources over renewable alternatives that are more sustainable and cost-effective.”

Gov. Gordon emphasized that while the executive order is a positive step for Wyoming’s coal industry, future efforts should also focus on extending the life of coal-fired power plants and exploring new technologies to keep coal a viable energy source.

“Wyoming is ready to lead and be a partner in building the future of energy,” Gordon said.

With input from Oil City News, the Associated Press, and the White House.