Washington, D.C.—On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Department of War to prioritize long-term Power Purchase Agreements with coal-fired power plants so military installations and other mission-critical facilities have dependable, on-demand electricity. The action is part of the Administration’s broader push to reinforce grid reliability, protect national security, and advance American energy dominance.
Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) attended the White House’s “Big Beautiful Coal” event as a guest and has consistently voiced support for policies that preserve America’s baseload power and the jobs supported by the coal industry.
“Coal built Kentucky, and under President Trump’s leadership, coal is powering America’s future,” said Congressman Barr. “From strengthening our electric grid to supporting the explosive growth of AI and advanced manufacturing, beautiful clean coal is essential to American energy dominance. I was proud to stand with President Trump at the White House as we reaffirmed our commitment to Kentucky miners, good-paying union jobs, and policies that put American energy workers first. The war on coal is over — and Kentucky is leading the comeback.”
Following the announcement, leaders across Kentucky’s coal and energy community praised Congressman Barr’s continued partnership with the Administration and his commitment to ensuring coal remains central to the nation’s energy future.
“President Trump continues to reaffirm the importance of coal to America’s energy security, grid reliability, and domestic job creation, and we appreciate the continued support of the President and members of Kentucky’s federal delegation on issues impacting Kentucky’s coal industry and the importance of policies that support a balanced and dependable energy system,” said President and Executive Director of Kentucky Coal Association Sam McKown.
“Reliable, affordable baseload power is the backbone of economic sustainability for Kentucky. We appreciate Congressman Barr and President Trump for recognizing that coal remains an essential part of a balanced, resilient energy portfolio. Their commitment to commonsense energy policy helps ensure our owner-members continue to receive dependable electricity while supporting jobs across our region,” said East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) President and CEO Don Mosier.
“As coal producers rooted in Appalachian communities, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges our industry has faced. We applaud Congressman Barr and President Trump for championing policies that recognize the strategic value of American coal — not just for energy security, but for good jobs, reliable power, and national competitiveness,” said Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Ramaco Randall Atkins.
“Last week was an extraordinary moment for America’s coal industry — from a highly attended and energized Miami Coal Forum to the President’s Coal Day in Washington. The momentum is real, and it reflects the growing recognition of coal’s essential role in America’s energy reliability, manufacturing strength, and national security,” said American Coal Council CEO Emily Arthun “We appreciate Congressman Andy Barr’s steadfast leadership and the Administration’s continued support for the coal supply chain and the communities that power this country. The ACC is proud to stand with leaders who understand that coal is not just an energy resource — it is a foundation of American strength and opportunity.”