Trump’s Coal Comeback: Economics Be Damned

A New Coal Mine Rises in East Tennessee Amidst Shifting Energy Landscape

For a time, it seemed the coal mining chapter in East Tennessee’s Clearfork Valley, nestled in the mountainous region bordering Kentucky, had come to a close. No new mining permits had been issued since 2020, and the area’s last mine ceased operations two years prior. Numerous companies had declared bankruptcy, often abandoning the environmental damage they caused without fulfilling their legal obligation to restore the land.

However, a new mine is now slated for East Tennessee, one of several across the country whose permits have been expedited following President Trump’s declaration of an “energy emergency” and his designation of coal as a critical mineral.

The “Energy Emergency” Declaration and its Impact

Shortly after assuming office, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national energy emergency. This order directed federal agencies to “identify and exercise any lawful emergency authorities available to them” to locate and exploit domestic energy resources. The administration also rolled back regulations established during the Biden era, which had made it easier for the public to file complaints related to mining activities with the federal government.

The “energy emergency” designation significantly shortens the environmental review process required for new mines, compressing what typically takes years into a matter of weeks. Environmental assessments are now to be completed within 14 days of receiving a permit application, and public comment periods are limited to just 10 days. The comprehensive environmental impact statement, which involves scientists from various disciplines assessing wildlife populations, water quality, and other crucial factors, is now completed in under a month. Government officials argue that this streamlined process eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

Adam Suess, the acting assistant secretary for land and minerals management at the Interior Department, stated that the administration is not just issuing permits but is also “supporting communities, securing supply chains for critical industries, and making sure the US stays competitive in a changing global energy landscape.” A representative from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement emphasized the administration’s commitment to community safety, highlighting a $725 million investment in abandoned mineland reclamation.

The Bryson Mountain Mine and Local Concerns

The Department of Interior has ruled that a new mine planned for Bryson Mountain in Claiborne County, Tennessee, would have “no significant impact” and has approved its development. The strip mine, operated by Hurricane Creek Mining, will span 635 acres of previously mined land that has since reforested. The company plans to extract 1.8 million tons of coal over the next decade, creating approximately two dozen jobs.

The Clearfork Valley, a region encompassing two rural counties with a history of economic hardship, bears the visible scars of over a century of both underground and surface mining. Local residents and scientists regularly monitor the creeks for signs of mine drainage, characterized by its bright orange color, and other pollutants.

The land in question is part of a larger tract acquired by the Nature Conservancy in 2019 for conservation purposes. However, due to the complex ownership structures common in coalfields, the organization owns only the surface land, not the mineral rights beneath it. The Nature Conservancy has expressed concerns about the potential environmental effects of the mining operation, emphasizing the need for adequate bonding, consistent and transparent environmental monitoring, and responsible reclamation practices.

Economic Viability and Environmental Concerns

Matt Hepler, an environmental scientist with Appalachian Voices, has been closely monitoring the mine’s public review process since the permit application was submitted in 2023. He remains doubtful about the long-term success of Hurricane Creek Mining, given the overall decline of the coal industry, driven largely by the decreasing cost of natural gas. The number of coal miners in the United States has significantly decreased, from approximately 89,000 in 2012 to around 41,300 today. Coal production experienced a 31 percent drop during President Trump’s first term and has continued to decline.

Hepler questions the company’s strategy for achieving profitability when so many other mines have failed. He notes that few new mines have been permitted in Tennessee due to the overall downward trend in coal production.

Economists suggest that opening more mines may not be enough to reverse the global decline of coal. The abundance and affordability of natural gas, combined with the increasing competitiveness of wind and solar energy, are displacing coal as a primary energy source. A study by Stanford University suggests that natural gas will continue to gain prominence, even if regulations related to coal are eliminated. The market for metallurgical coal, used in steel production and the type Hurricane Creek hopes to extract, is also facing challenges, with demand remaining stagnant or declining due to innovations in steel manufacturing.

Expedited Permits and Potential Consequences

The trend of expedited permits extends beyond Tennessee. The Department of the Interior recently approved a land lease for Wyoming’s first new coal mine in 50 years. Ramaco Resources plans to extract and process the coal to recover rare earth elements and other critical minerals found alongside it. The Trump administration has also been selling coal leases on previously protected federal land.

Shiloh Hernandez, a senior attorney at Earthjustice, believes these efforts are futile. He argues that they will not fundamentally change the dynamics of the coal industry and may cause significant harm by increasing energy costs for the public and prolonging the operation of inefficient coal plants and mines.

While Hernandez acknowledges that the Trump administration’s actions are primarily focused on accelerating the approval of existing permit applications rather than issuing a large number of new ones, he emphasizes that streamlining environmental reviews will reduce oversight and limit public scrutiny of coal projects.

Ultimately, Hernandez believes that these changes will make it more difficult for the public to participate in the review process and will lead to greater environmental harm due to reduced attention to the negative consequences of mining operations.