Coal country just got a care package straight from Washington. The Trump administration announced $625 million in federal funding for coal-fired power plants and mining, while unlocking 13.1 million acres of federal land for new leases. That’s right, in a world screaming “green,” DC just gave coal a cowboy-sized shot of espresso.
What It Means for Wyoming
- Wyoming already produces about 40% of America’s thermal coal, and this move cements its spot as the heavyweight champ.
- Gov. Mark Gordon called the plan a “win-win-win” for consumers, the power grid, and communities that have been staring down pink slips for years.
- Officials say the funding and leases could create or save thousands of jobs, especially in Campbell County, where coal still keeps Main Street alive. Think plant operators, truck drivers, miners, engineers — all the folks who keep lights on while data centers crank out AI memes.
Where the Money Goes
- $350M – Coal plant retrofits & recommissioning (translation: keeping plants alive instead of shuttered).
- $175M – Rural energy affordability projects.
- $50M – Advanced wastewater management systems (coal but make it clean-ish).
- $25M – Dual-fuel retrofits (coal + gas = marriage counseling for fossil fuels).
- $25M – Natural gas integration tests.
Why Now?
The administration framed it as part of a federal push to “reindustrialize America” and meet exploding demand from AI data centers. Because apparently ChatGPT and your self-checkout kiosk don’t run on good vibes alone, they need baseload power.
The Jackson Angle
Here in Teton County, where Ev’s outnumber tractors and the only coal most folks touch is at the Four Seasons fire pit, it’s easy to forget coal still fuels the state’s economy. But next time you drive past a charging station clogged with out-of-state plates, remember that juice likely came from Gillette, not the sun on your roof.
The Local Takeaway
Whether you’re cheering, groaning, or already planning a “Coal Keeps the Lights On” bumper sticker, the truth is this: Wyoming jobs and paychecks are back in the headlines. For a state used to energy boom-and-bust, that’s news worth raising a High Life over, even if your Jackson bartender side-eyes you for not ordering a hazy IPA.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
