News
September 30, 2025
Trump to open 13M acres for coal leasing, spend $625M on plants
WASHINGTON >> The Trump administration will expand coal mine leasing on federal lands and provide hundreds of millions of dollars to support more coal-fired power generation, officials said today.
**Trump to Open 13M Acres for Coal Leasing, Spend $625M on Plants**
WASHINGTON – In a move signaling a renewed commitment to fossil fuels, the Trump administration announced today plans to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining leases and invest $625 million in supporting coal-fired power generation. The announcement underscores the administration's focus on boosting domestic energy production and creating jobs in the coal industry, a sector that has faced significant economic challenges in recent years.
Officials stated that the 13 million acres, located primarily in Western states, would be available for companies to lease and develop coal mines. The administration believes that increasing access to these resources will lower energy costs and strengthen the nation’s energy independence. The decision reverses previous policies that restricted coal leasing on federal lands, reflecting a significant shift in energy policy.
Beyond expanding access to coal reserves, the administration also pledged $625 million to support coal-fired power plants. This funding is intended to help existing plants upgrade their infrastructure, improve efficiency, and potentially explore carbon capture technologies. The goal is to keep these plants operational, ensuring a stable energy supply and preserving jobs in communities that rely on the coal industry.
The announcement is expected to be met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it will revitalize the coal industry, create jobs, and provide affordable energy. Critics, however, are likely to raise concerns about the environmental impact of increased coal mining and burning, including air and water pollution, as well as the contribution to climate change. The debate surrounding the role of coal in the nation's energy future is sure to intensify in the coming weeks and months. The long-term effects of these policy changes on the environment and the economy remain to be seen.
WASHINGTON – In a move signaling a renewed commitment to fossil fuels, the Trump administration announced today plans to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining leases and invest $625 million in supporting coal-fired power generation. The announcement underscores the administration's focus on boosting domestic energy production and creating jobs in the coal industry, a sector that has faced significant economic challenges in recent years.
Officials stated that the 13 million acres, located primarily in Western states, would be available for companies to lease and develop coal mines. The administration believes that increasing access to these resources will lower energy costs and strengthen the nation’s energy independence. The decision reverses previous policies that restricted coal leasing on federal lands, reflecting a significant shift in energy policy.
Beyond expanding access to coal reserves, the administration also pledged $625 million to support coal-fired power plants. This funding is intended to help existing plants upgrade their infrastructure, improve efficiency, and potentially explore carbon capture technologies. The goal is to keep these plants operational, ensuring a stable energy supply and preserving jobs in communities that rely on the coal industry.
The announcement is expected to be met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it will revitalize the coal industry, create jobs, and provide affordable energy. Critics, however, are likely to raise concerns about the environmental impact of increased coal mining and burning, including air and water pollution, as well as the contribution to climate change. The debate surrounding the role of coal in the nation's energy future is sure to intensify in the coming weeks and months. The long-term effects of these policy changes on the environment and the economy remain to be seen.
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Business