MOUNT CARMEL, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The US coal industry has been declining for decades, but that may change after a series of executive orders signed by President Trump.
President Trump has expressed his support for coal since his first term.
Until now, there was little progress made to revive the dying industry, especially here in NEPA.
Four new executive orders were signed by President Trump, granting the coal industry much more room to operate in the US.
These orders allow older coal-fired plants, originally poised for retirement, to continue producing electricity to meet growing demands on the power grid.
"We're bringing back an industry that was abandoned, despite the fact that it was just about the best. Certainly, the best in terms of power, real power," President Trump explained.
The orders would also prioritize coal leasing on federal land and streamline the permitting process for coal companies to operate their mines.
Northeastern Pennsylvania sits on top of the largest known anthracite coal deposits in the world, and to the local coal industry, these executive orders are a welcome sight.
"The more we make, the more we produce, we invest into the area, we always did," President of Fox Coal Company Vince Guarna said.
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Vince Guarna is the president of Fox Coal Company in Mount Carmel.
He says much of the coal they produce is sold to local power plants to provide the surrounding area with electricity.
But with the industry declining for decades, mines have been forced to cut back on production.
"Years ago, sometimes we used to do three to 4000 tons a day, and now it's around 1,500," Guarna stated.
Guarna tells 28/22 News that while their business isn't hurting, the shift away from coal towards greener energy has made operating more difficult.
"Naturally, the less you produce, the harder it is to operate," Guarna added.
But President Trump's plans for the US Coal industry have Guarna hopeful for the future.
"Any kind of executive orders that help you get permits quicker and expedite different processes, yes, it's a lot better for everybody," Guarna said.
