Federal coal could power US for 600 years: new study

Coal beneath federally managed public lands could supply the United States for at least 600 years at current consumption rates, according to a new study, reinforcing the Trump administration’s efforts to revive the industry.

There are 4.2 billion short tons of reported coal reserves associated with active mines and another 356 billion short tons of available coal resources on federally managed lands, according to a report this week from the US Geological Survey (USGS). 

In 2024, 34 coal mines on federal lands produced more than 261 million short tons, according to the USGS. Wyoming accounts for 14 of those mines and holds 87% of reported reserves associated with active federal mines, with the North Antelope Rochelle mine in the state’s Powder River Basin identified as the world’s largest coal mine by reported reserves.

“American Energy Dominance is more important than ever, and so is beautiful clean coal’s role in the production of electricity needed to fuel our future prosperity,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a statement. “Thanks to the USGS’s rigorous and independent assessment, we’re better equipped to manage America’s vast public lands responsibly while supporting energy security and economic opportunity.”

The assessment comes amid President Donald Trump’s efforts to renew the coal sector. Trump signed Executive Order 14261 directing the review of coal resources beneath federal lands, while Burgum added metallurgical coal to the 2025 List of Critical Minerals. The report also calls for additional geological mapping in Alaska, where the USGS estimates there are at least 140 billion short tons of coal resources but says the state could contain as much as 5.5 trillion short tons.

Policy divide

Twenty-nine of the active federal mines produce thermal coal for electricity generation, three Alabama operations produce metallurgical coal for steelmaking, one Colorado mine supplies the cement industry and one Utah mine remains idled. Federal lands covered by the study are administered by the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy and Interior, along with the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The report arrives as the Trump administration has committed more than $1 billion to bolster the U.S. coal industry, including funding to extend the operating lives of coal-fired power plants and expand coal production capacity.

The policy marks a sharp departure from climate scientists, who continue to argue that reducing coal, oil and gas consumption is essential to limiting global warming and avoiding more severe climate impacts.