For Immediate Release: February 11, 2026
WHITESBURG, KY – Today, the Trump Administration announced it would be providing taxpayer-funded subsidies to prop up five coal-fired power plants that were planned for retirement while the President will receive a new “award” from the Washington Coal Club. At the same time, the Administration has cut tens of billions of dollars in federal funding that would have supported community and economic development in Appalachia, attempted to slash resources from the agencies that help keep miners safe, and halted the life-saving protections that would have curbed silica dust – the driving force behind the ongoing black lung epidemic.
In response to today’s news, Rebecca Shelton of the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center in Whitesburg, Kentucky released the following statement:
“This is not the way to build a better future for Appalachia. If you’re going to invest in coal, you need to invest in protecting workers and strengthening our communities, but this plan does neither. Just a few short years ago, we had more federal resources at hand to kickstart a stronger economy and protections for miners that would have saved lives. Now, that’s all been cut in favor of this shortsighted bailout. It is past time to actually invest in coal country – not just coal CEOs – by prioritizing our local economies, the well-being of our miners, and energy sources that help lower our bills. That’s what a real champion would do.”
