Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a 23-state coalition in signing a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, advocating for a renewed focus on coal as a vital component of the nation’s energy grid. The coalition, led by the attorneys general of West Virginia, North Dakota, and Wyoming, supports efforts initiated during the Trump administration to bolster coal production and counter what they describe as the Biden administration’s restrictive energy policies.
The letter argues that anti-fossil fuel policies have contributed to a significant decline in coal production, reaching levels not seen since 1960. The coalition contends that coal remains a crucial resource for ensuring energy reliability, particularly as the U.S. faces rising electricity demands driven by population growth, the expansion of electric vehicles, and increasing energy needs for data-storage centers and cryptocurrency mining operations.
“America’s energy crisis is real, and we are in a difficult position. Coal is critical for our energy future, and it provides the reliability, baseload capacity, and affordable energy necessary to fuel our nation’s growth,” stated Attorney General Marshall. “From artificial intelligence to manufacturing, we need coal-fired power to remain globally competitive, support industries like steel and aluminum, and protect our national security. Without coal, we risk losing our technological edge and the prosperity that comes with it. It’s time to unleash the power of American coal and ensure energy security for the future of our country.”
The coalition, which includes attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, is urging the federal government to reverse policies that have limited coal production and investment. Supporters argue that maintaining coal as a key energy source is necessary to meet the country’s evolving energy demands while ensuring affordability and stability in the power grid.
The Biden administration has prioritized transitioning to renewable energy sources, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. While proponents of this approach argue that clean energy investments will create jobs and reduce environmental impact, critics—such as the attorneys general backing this letter—warn that restricting coal could jeopardize energy security and economic growth.
The letter reflects ongoing national debates over energy policy, balancing economic interests, environmental concerns, and the long-term sustainability of the U.S. energy grid.
