Berks County News

Congressman Dan Meuser joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House for the signing of an Executive Order intended to bolster America’s clean coal industry and assert energy dominance. This move is seen by supporters as a reversal of policies from the Biden Administration, focusing on increasing coal production and exportation capacities.

“President Trump continues to lead with bold action to make the United States energy dominant once again,” Meuser stated. He emphasized the Executive Order's potential to boost job creation, grid reliability, and economic growth, with particular benefits to Pennsylvania.

The Executive Order instructs the National Energy Dominance Council to classify coal as a "mineral" under EO 14241, thereby expanding its federal benefits. It also encourages agencies to reduce restrictions and prioritize coal leasing on federal lands, rescind policies that favor intermittent energy sources over coal, and recognize clean coal as a strategic resource.

Moreover, the order aims to expedite the development of coal technologies, promote clean coal exports, and support international agreements to enhance the sector’s global reach. It also tasks the Department of Energy with reviewing coal's role in steel production to potentially define it as a "critical material."

Coal, providing 16% of the nation’s electricity and supporting many jobs, is central to the country's energy framework, according to the order's plan. The advancements in technology have improved the cleanliness of coal-fired power, especially within the U.S., Meuser noted.

In Pennsylvania, the coal industry produced 42.6 million tons in 2023, making it a significant electricity producer and economic powerhouse, generating $3.8 billion in output. The state’s anthracite coal plays a key role in steel production, crucial for national defense and infrastructure.

“President Trump is delivering real results for American workers, families, and businesses,” Meuser added, pointing to an energy policy that includes diverse sources like oil, natural gas, and nuclear power as strategic elements for energy dominance.

Recent executive actions under Trump also showcase a withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and opening more domestic areas for energy exploration. These measures contrast sharply with the Biden Administration’s regulations, described by Meuser as a “regulatory war on clean coal.”

Meuser expressed his intention to collaborate with Trump and Congress on the order's implementation, targeting an effective energy strategy for the nation.