WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), alongside Senate Republican colleagues, today has introduced a resolution to officially designate the week of October 19, 2025, as “Coal Week” in the U.S. Senate. This is a ceremonial designation by the Senate to recognize and honor America’s hardworking coal industry and workers.
Cosponsors include: U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Lee (R-UT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). Congressman Mike Kennedy (UT-03) will introduce the resolution in the House.
“I am introducing a resolution to make this week ‘Coal Week’ because we must never forget the industry that powers America and sustains Wyoming families with good-paying jobs,” said Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis. “For years, the Biden and Obama administrations waged a relentless war on American coal, killing jobs, undermining our communities, and driving up energy costs for everyday Americans. Under President Trump’s pro-energy leadership, we are fighting back and reversing that destructive agenda. Wyoming coal is reliable American energy, and I won’t apologize for celebrating the miners and families who deliver it.”
“I’ve long supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps America strong, lowers costs for working families, and supports good paying jobs in my great state and across the nation,” said Senate Western Caucus Vice-Chair Dan Sullivan. “Alaska’s coal miners have a long history of supplying safe, responsible energy production for decades, supplying our Interior Alaska communities and military installations with reliable heat and power. With a partner in President Trump, we’re reversing disastrous Biden-era policies that hindered the use of coal powered generation and blocked responsible resource development across Alaska and our country. Coal Week reminds us of how vital American energy dominance is to our national security and our economic success.”
“In Wyoming, we know firsthand how important coal is to keeping the lights on across the country,” said Senator John Barrasso. “It’s one of the most affordable, reliable, and abundant sources of energy on the planet. National Coal Week is an opportunity to celebrate this critical resource and honor Wyoming’s energy workers who work hard every day to help power our nation.”
“Coal is a vital resource that keeps our lights on, spurs economic and industrial progress, and is at the center of our identity in my home state of West Virginia,” said Senator Shelley Moore Capito. “West Virginia coal has been used to fortify our country, connect communities with railroads, bridges, and highways, and provided access to reliable electricity that Americans need and deserve all across our nation. None of this is possible without the dedicated work of our coal miners and their families, who will always have my thankfulness and support as I continue to advocate for American energy generation through coal in West Virginia. Coal is a central aspect of our culture and history that has withstood the test of time, and something we must continue to invest in.”
“Nearly half of Utah’s electricity generation is produced from coal and our state boasts some of the lowest electricity costs in the country,” said Senator Mike Lee. “Coal fired generation built this country and will continue to provide reliable power for decades to come. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution supporting the designation of Coal Week and will continue to work as Chairman of ENR to end the war on reliable, affordable energy.”
“Energy is absolutely everything,” said Senator Jim Justice. “It drives our nation forward, and for generations, coal has been the backbone. During Coal Week, we honor the hardworking women and men who keep America running and continue West Virginias’ proud legacy as an energy leader.”
“Coal keeps the lights on, and supporting America’s coal industry is exactly the kind of America First common sense the people voted for last year,” said Senator Tim Sheehy. “Whether it’s for homes, data centers, quantum computing, AI, or crypto, we will see an exponential increase in demand for reliable, baseload power in the coming years. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution supporting our coal industry and will keep fighting to unleash our resource economy and make American energy affordable, accessible, and reliable again.”
“Coal has fueled American industry and powered progress for generations,” said Congressman Mike Kennedy. “As we continue to innovate, we should honor the hardworking men and women who keep our lights on and our economy strong. I’m proud to officially designate this week as ‘Coal Week’ and recognize their vital role in America’s energy security and prosperity.”
“While AI and data centers drive electricity demands increasingly higher on an already stressed grid, and the world’s steel-hungry infrastructure, construction and emerging markets continue to grow, America’s coal miners are ready to meet the need by supplying abundant, affordable and reliable energy and materials to consumers,” said National Mining Association President & CEO, Rich Nolan. “I thank Senators Lummis, Lee, Capito, Hoeven, Sullivan, Justice, McConnell, Sheehy, and Blackburn as well as Representative Mike Kennedy for their strong support of the Coal Week Resolution and urge its support.”
For the full Resolution text, click here.
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