Yesterday, Feb 11, President Trump hosted the “Champion of Coal” event at the White House. Lawmakers, industry leaders, and coal miners from across the country attended the event to celebrate Trump’s recent actions to revive America’s coal industry. However, despite Alaska containing nearly half of U.S. coal resources, Alaska was not represented at the event or addressed by the President.
According to a press release from the White House: “This event underscored President Trump’s unwavering support for beautiful, clean coal — supporting workers, delivering affordable and dependable energy to Americans, creating high-paying jobs in rural communities, and enhancing our national security through American energy dominance.”
Coal miners presented Trump with a trophy labeled “The undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal.”
The absence of Alaska from the event is noticeable. 18 Members of Congress commented on the event, but Alaska’s U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski and Alaska’s U.S. Representative Nick Begich remained silent.
According to the State of Alaska’s Department of Natural Resources: “Alaska’s coal resources make up about half of the United States coal-resource base and approximately one-sixth of the world coal-resource base.” However, Alaska only has one operating coal mine: Usibelli Coal Mine, which supplies approximately 1.2 million tons of coal per year. The lack of operating mines puts Alaska 20th in U.S. coal production despite its large reserves.
