John Kemp,
Reuters (Apr 07, 2017)
U.S. coal producers can look forward to an increase in production and jobs during 2017/18 as the industry recovers from the depression of 2015/16. The medium-term outlook remains challenging but some of the short-term problems that tipped the industry into crisis over the last two years are abating.

Coal production slumped from 1 billion tons in 2014 to just 739 million tons in 2016, according to the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration.The average number of operators and contractors employed at the coal mines (excluding office staff) fell from 111,000 in 2014 to just 78,000 in 2016.

But production increased by almost 35 million tons in the third quarter of 2016, around 22 percent, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

And production is likely to have increased further in the fourth quarter, when the figures are published next month. The increase in output should start to boost employment, with at least some of the 33,000 employees and contractors laid off between 2014 and 2016 likely to be rehired.

By Timothy Cama
The Hill (April 13, 2017)
Energy Secretary Rick Perry attended an opening ceremony Thursday for a new carbon-capture project at a Texas coal-fired power plant, hailing it as a model of "clean coal." The Petra Nova project at the existing WA Parish Generating Station is the world’s largest carbon-capture facility, using a chemical process to remove carbon dioxide after coal is burned for electricity generation.

Perry, Texas’s former governor, joined current Gov. Greg Abbott (R) at the celebration, according to the Houston Chronicle. He told attendees that the project is a major victory both for energy and the environment and is evidence that environmental protection doesn’t need to threaten the energy industry. "We can and we will be stewards of both," Perry said.

Michael Bastasch
Daily Caller (April 13, 2017)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt told business advocates the agency will reconsider a rule utilities worry could force more coal-fired power plants to close. "I have decided that it is appropriate and in the public interest to reconsider the rule," Pruitt wrote in a letter sent Wednesday to counsel for a utility group and officials at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). "The EPA is acting promptly to issue an administrative stay of the compliance dates in the rule that have not yet passed pending judicial review," Pruitt wrote regarding an EPA regulation on liquid waste from coal plants.

By John Siciliano
Washington Examiner
The Trump administration could call Thursday "National Coal Day." Several Cabinet officials are spreading out to push clean coal, coal power plants and coal mining. The activities got started Wednesday afternoon when Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke met with Native American leaders to brainstorm ways the Trump administration can help prevent one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the country from shutting down in Arizona.

The owners of the Navajo Generating Station, the largest coal plant in the West, said they would close the plant in 2019 due to increased competition from natural gas, but might have to shutdown earlier if they can't get a better lease agreement with the Navajo Nation, where the plant is located. The plant provides electricity to a number of states and is a major source of income and employment for the Navajo.

Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2017) – With the signing of an Executive Order, President Trump delivered on his pledge to help coal by lifting energy restrictions and canceling job-killing regulations. The remarks by President Trump and key members of his cabinet warmly acknowledged the contributions of our nation’s coal miners. They pledged to level the playing field and eliminate federal overreach.

President Trump called for an immediate re-evaluation of the "so-called" Clean Power Plan and a lifting of the ban on (federal) coal leasing.

Coupled with decisive steps already taken by this administration, today’s move signals a much-needed change in policy direction. It shows that America’s rich energy resources are valued once again. It recognizes that we can be pro-energy and pro-environment. In short, it provides opportunity.

The American Coal Council appreciates President Trump’s efforts to restore balance and fairness to the regulatory process, support job creation, strengthen energy independence, and lay the foundation for rebuilding and sustaining our nation’s vital coal industry.

Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2017) – ACC President Mike Siebers represented the organization at last week’s signing by President Trump of the executive order promoting energy independence and economic growth, effectively rolling back the Obama administration’s anti-coal regulatory regime. Siebers and other coal industry leaders were there at the invitation of the White House.

The signing ceremony was held at the Environmental Protection Agency and included remarks by Vice President Mike Pence, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Siebers is the senior vice president for sales and marketing at Peabody Energy.