“We are still strong, we’re still here, and we’re still needed”

Yesterday, the Trump administration made the coal industry a centerpiece of its effort to meet soaring power demand and produce American energy abundance. Flanked by miners in the East Room of the White House, the President signed four executive orders that collectively aim to halt the closure of essential coal power plants, reinvigorate coal leasing on federal land, and end discriminatory practices at the state and federal level that have made it more difficult to both produce and use coal.

While there has been much written and said about the orders, perhaps the most impactful words came from American Consolidated Natural Resources’ miner Jeff Crowe, who was given the opportunity to address the President and the attendees at the historic event. You can watch Jeff’s remarks here and read them below:

Comments Delivered by Jeff Crowe, General Manager, Marshall County Mine, Woodlands, W.Va., ACNR at the White House on April 8, 2025:

I want to first thank you for having me and my fellow miners here. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of today’s events. I believe this past November that America clearly spoke about what we wanted for our country. It is reassuring for Americans to have a President in office who will truly put the United States of America above all else.

With putting America first, you have spoken numerous times about energy independence. I believe most don’t understand the importance of that. Coal is one of the major factors in energy independence and accounts for a large portion of America’s energy. Coal is one of the most reliable and cheapest forms of electricity.

For too long, coal has been a dirty word that most are afraid to speak about. Most of those that would speak negatively about coal, do so from an uneducated standpoint. Many are unaware of the engineering and technology that are used in today’s mining to create a clean, energy efficient, product. All of this is done while using the safest practices in the industry.

Speaking for WV, coal provides approximately 50,000 jobs for those that work in the mines and for the businesses that support them. It also accounts for over 50% of WV’s total export product. To name a few, we employ engineers, teachers, physical therapists, accountants, truck drivers, high school and college graduates. All of these occupations and graduates have turned to the coal industry to provide a better way of life for them and their families.

Everyone in our industry works long days and hours to provide a reliable energy product and too many times it goes unnoticed.

I’ve personally worked in the industry for 23 years. I choose to do this daily to provide my wife and children with the life they deserve.

Prior administrations have done all they could to eliminate the coal industry. In my opinion they’ve done so with an unethical and uneducated approach. But we are still strong, we’re still here, and we’re still needed in order to Make America Great Again.

Having a president and an administration that understand the need and the importance of coal is more than appreciated. It gives the industry a form of reassurance to know that we have a President in place that supports us.

From my family, to the over 3,000 employees of ACNR, and for the coal companies, miners, and businesses throughout our great country that rely on the coal industry, we say thank you for your continued support.

I personally thank you for what you do for our country and for our industry. It has been my pleasure to be here today to help you usher in the golden age of America.