Trump’s Potential Coal Tariffs: Overview and Implications
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) recently initiated a Section 232 investigation into imports of anthracite and metallurgical bituminous coal used as inputs in steel production. In new research, Director of Trade Policy Jacob Jensen and Director of Energy and Environmental Policy Shuting Pomerleau estimate what a potential tariff on these critical inputs for domestic steel production and industrial processes would cost U.S. businesses.
Key points:
The DOC investigation may result in a Section 232 national security tariff on targeted coal imports, which aligns with the administration’s policy and financial support for the domestic coal industry, as well as its general positive view toward tariffs.
To continue reading, click here to view the full article on CoalZoom.com.
CoalZoom.com - Your Foremost Source for Coal News.
EPA Advances Cooperative Federalism with Potential Approach for Coal Combustion Residuals Permitting Program
The EPA is seeking public input on a potential new regulatory approach for addressing certain coal combustion residuals (CCR) units as the agency explores pathways that promote cooperative federalism, reduce regulatory uncertainty, eliminate unnecessary permitting delays, and promote electric grid reliability while ensuring a high standard of environmental protection.
Building on the agency’s larger 2026 proposal to revamp CCR regulations, EPA is considering a new regulatory approach to help CCR units comply with federal regulations during the interim period while states update their CCR programs and before CCR facilities can receive site-specific permits. EPA is providing advance notice of potential CCR general permit provisions and is seeking comments on the criteria for which CCR facilities would be eligible as well as compliance requirements. Under this potential approach, CCR facilities operating under a general permit would be allowed to continue operations and maintain environmental and human health protections while waiting for states to update their regulatory programs and begin issuing their own permits.
“Today’s proposal is what Powering the Great American Comeback looks like in action. Under the Trump Administration, EPA is advancing state-led CCR permitting, streamlining and clarifying CCR rules, and implementing deadline extensions, cutting red tape to bolster grid reliability and affordability,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “This notice seeks comment on an approach that improves clarity and avoids delays to deliver on EPA’s commitment to Unleash American Energy Dominance.”
To continue reading, click here to view the full article on CoalZoom.com.
CoalZoom.com - Your Foremost Source for Coal News.
UMWA to Attend PSC Hearings to Fight for West Virginia Coal Jobs
Members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) from across the state will be attending the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing on July 15 to oppose a request to build a 1,200-megawatt natural gas plant in Monongalia County, West Virginia. UMWA International President Brian Sanson will give additional testimony on July 16 before the PSC.
Brian Sanson
Miners are mobilizing to confront a proposed petition by First Energy subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, that threatens to eliminate thousands of coal jobs across West Virginia while increasing utility bills for all citizens.
First Energy has announced plans to close the existing coal-fired Fort Martin power plant if this proposed project is approved by the PSC. Then, if this proposal is approved, First Energy has announced plans to pursue a second large gas plant, further increasing the threat to coal miners’ jobs. The decision could spell the beginning of the end of the coal industry in West Virginia.
“We will fight to protect the jobs of thousands of coal miners and the communities they live in,” said Sanson. “This proposed gas plant petition is an absolute betrayal of the families who have given their lives powering this nation. First Energy is asking West Virginians to accept the elimination of thousands of jobs and to pay higher electric bills in order to provide record profits to their out-of-state investors and the billionaire owners of the data centers who will benefit from this proposed gas plant.”
To continue reading, click here to view the full article on CoalZoom.com.
CoalZoom.com - Your Foremost Source for Coal News.
2026 Mineral Consumption Data Released
Compiled by the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC), the 2026 Mineral Baby details the estimated amount of minerals, metals and fuels that an American born this year will use in their lifetime. Compared to last year, increases were observed in key resources such as cement, coal, copper, iron ore, lead, lithium, salt, zinc, and silver, which among many applications is a conductor that makes solar energy possible. Overall, the total amount of resources that every American born in 2026 will need in their lifetime is 3.01 million pounds, clearly demonstrating how critical mining and minerals are to our daily lives.
“Most people do not realize just how often minerals and metals show up in everyday life—from the roads we drive on and the phones we use to the tools and technology that support modern medicine,” said Melissa Russell, SME Executive Director and CEO. “The Mineral Baby is a simple way to start that conversation, take a deeper dive into the data, and help people see why these resources are so important. We encourage you to share this flyer as an educational resource for all audiences, including those looking to join the mining workforce.”
To continue reading, click here to view the full article on CoalZoom.com.
CoalZoom.com - Your Foremost Source for Coal News.
Use U.S. Coal to End Russia’s War in Ukraine
As President Trump sat with President Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit earlier today, it was clear the U.S. is engaged in the pursuit of peace between Russia and Ukraine, and willing to offer its assistance. While President Trump suggested new support in terms of air defense missiles may be on the table, there remains one powerful financial weapon against Russia that the U.S. has yet to deploy: sanctions on Russian coal.
Ukraine is winning on the battlefield and wreaking havoc on Russian energy infrastructure with targeted drone and missile strikes. Russian crude oil production dropped 10% below May's target according to recent analysis from the International Energy Agency. Long lines of Russian drivers seeking rationed fuel also underscore the impact of Ukrainian strikes on Russian refining capacity.
Momentum is building once again in the U.S. to end the war, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers is reviving efforts to pass legislation that could cripple Russia’s economy. The legislation would allow President Trump to impose sanctions and tariffs on any nations doing business with Moscow. Like Ukrainian drones, the legislation would take direct aim at Russian energy exports, the lifeblood of the Russian economy and Vladimir Putin’s war machine.”
To continue reading, click here to view the full article on CoalZoom.com.
CoalZoom.com - Your Foremost Source for Coal News.
