October 2, 2025 - Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, on Tuesday, detailed ways that the Trump Administration is working to expand coal production after years of Democrat Administrations writing off the industry as dead.

The Governor detailed how the green light to boost production and expanding coal sales into Asian markets could offset the drop in federal royalty rates from 12.5% to 7%, causing a hit of $50 million to the state budget.

Key to the move is expanding coal production. The Trump Administration announced on Monday that 13.1 million acres of federal land will be made available for coal leasing. Sales were announced in Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and Utah.

In Wyoming, The West Antelope III lease sale is on a tract 15 miles south of Wright. The sale is scheduled for October 8 at the BLM Wyoming State Office in Cheyenne. The Antelope Mine, operated by Navajo Transitional Energy Company, is the third-largest coal mine in the United States by production, with an annual output of 20-25 million tons and approximately 400 employees.

The Governor applauded the decision to move forward with coal production rather than abandoning it as an obsolete part of the American past. Last year, Wyoming reduced the severance tax rate on coal to match the royalty rate of oil and gas.

Guaranteeing new revenues from coal is good news for Wyoming families and businesses, the Governor said.

The Governor then pivoted to what he described as “other exciting news” for Wyoming coal. A recent court decision will open the door for exporting coal to markets in Asia.00:00

The Governor said that under the new guidelines, Wyoming will pivot from coasting to closure of coal mines to coasting to energy security.

As part of this week’s announcement, the Trump Administration plans to double down on the coal industry with $600 million in funding. The Governor ran through the details of the funding.

Another $25 million dollars will be available for engineering and implementation of dual firing retrofits for plants. This will enable power plants to switch seamlessly between fuel sources, such as coal or gas, and achieve full-steam capacity. This will expand the lifespans of power plants.

The Governor said that the Bridger Power Plant, located 10 miles north of Point of Rocks near Rock Springs, is looking for the ability to switch between gas and coal.

The economics of gas tend to be more volatile than coal. Gas prices are prone to sharper peaks and valleys, depending on supply and other issues. Keeping the price of energy stable will help lower the price for consumers.

The Governor said the general view over the last decade, or more is that coal was being phased out so industries weren’t reinvesting in existing plants.

The Governor said that the Trump Administration is providing an opportunity to reinvest and equalize the costs over time.