4/9/2025 |
Photo Courtesy of the Office of Governor Gordon
In Washington, D.C., as investors fussed and panicked during another day of falling stock prices, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon joined U.S. President Donald Trump and energy industry leaders in the White House for the signing of Executive Orders (EOs) that will strengthen Wyoming’s energy industry while demonstrating America’s commitment to domestic energy.
American coal industry workers were on hand, applauding the move.
Audio Player“This is a great day for Wyoming coal,” Governor Gordon said in a statement. “We produce more coal than any other state in the nation. These Executive Orders will be impactful for our state’s coal industry and will help ensure Wyoming coal is available to help meet our nation’s growing energy demand.”
The governor thanked President Trump for his work in easing “the unnecessarily burdensome regulations imposed on the coal industry by the Biden Administration.”
The Unleashing American Energy Executive Orders direct agencies to remove barriers to coal mining on federal lands and both streamline and prioritize coal leasing. It also designates coal as a “mineral” under a previous executive order, which will accelerate the permitting process for new mines on federal lands.
Governor Gordon noted that the coal industry supports approximately 5,000 direct jobs in Wyoming, and that the state supplies coal for electricity for almost 50% of the mainland United States.
On the floor of the U.S. Senate Tuesday, Wyoming Senator John Barrasso said Trump is moving quickly to restore American energy dominance. Holding up a large chunk of shiny, black coal three times the size of his hand, Barrasso extolled its benefits.
Audio PlayerOver the past 3 years, 17 power plants in 11 states have announced closure deferrals. In 2024, these 17 power plants consumed 30.5 million tons of Wyoming coal, with the Cowboy State collecting more than $90 million in revenue in royalties.
Senator Barrasso joined Gov. Gordon with President Trump at the White House for the executive order signing ceremony.
