January 9, 2026 - Andy Barr, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, released his comprehensive plan to revive Kentucky coal this week. Kentucky elected officials and energy industry leaders overwhelmingly came out in support of Barr’s vision to revive Kentucky coal jobs and attract industries of the future. You can read the full agenda, “Andy Barr’s plan to Revive Kentucky Coal Jobs and Power Technologies of the Future,” HERE.

“Coal needs to be a part of our nation’s energy plan for future generations, to not only keep the lights on, but to help our families and businesses afford to keep the lights on. We’ve lost nearly 15,000 coal miners in Eastern Kentucky over the last 20 years, and this plan will help put coal miners back to work. I endorsed Andy Barr because he has a bold and effective plan that will create jobs in Eastern Kentucky and make energy affordable again,” said U.S. Rep Hal Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House of Representatives.

“When Andy Barr says he’s going to get something done, he gets it done. It is that track record that gives me confidence in Andy’s plan for Americans energy dominance,” said Senator Scott Madon (R-SD-29). I plan to work with him at the state level to make this agenda come to life for our Commonwealth. Andy is the only candidate in this race who actually pushes for the President’s agenda, and he has the relationships to make things move for the people of Eastern Kentucky. For those reasons, I endorsed him for US Senate, and I’m backing Andy Barr’s Energy Plan 100%.” 

“No one will fight harder for Kentucky coal than Andy Barr,” said Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-SD-31), who has defended coal miners in court as an attorney. “Coal miners are proud people who want to work, provide for their families, and lower energy costs for their neighbors. Andy Barr’s plan delivers exactly that—and it puts Kentucky coal back to work.”

“People in the mountains have always known how important coal is to powering America, and I’m so thankful that we have elected leaders like Congressman Andy Barr that are fighting for energy dominance and coal miners in Washington. Andy Barr’s energy plan is the real deal, and we need to elect him to the US Senate to make sure we can get it done. That’s why I’ve endorsed Andy in this campaign,” said Kentucky State Representative Mitch Whitaker (R-HD-94).

As a lifelong coal miner and now Judge-Executive, I’ve watched the Obama and Biden administrations decimate the coal mining industry. Fortunately, we have some serious advocates for coal in President Donald Trump and Congressman Andy Barr. I’ve listened to Andy Barr’s plan for coal, and it’s what we need to do to—not only save and expand Kentucky coal mining—but also to defend our nation against the Chinese and other international threats. I’ve endorsed Andy Barr for the US Senate, because we simply can’t afford NOT to have him fighting for us,” said Zeke Little Jr. Judge/Executive of Owsley County.

“There is so much history in Harlan County around our signature Kentucky coal industry,” said Dan Mosley, Judge/Executive of Harlan County. “That’s why preserving Portal 31 is important, to be able to tell the story of mining in Appalachia, a story that is far from being over. Andy Barr’s plan for Kentucky coal means that coal will be at the heart of our future and not just the past. I applaud his vision and am grateful he chose Harlan County, the coal capital of the world, to announce his energy plan.”

“Union County has powered Kentucky and this country with some of the strongest coal mines in our history. Coal isn’t just our past—it’s part of our future, and Andy Barr’s plan makes sure of it,” said Adam O’Nan, Judge/Executive of Union County.

“There are few issues more critical than American energy strength. With China bringing more than 100 new coal plants online each year, it is more important than ever to expand American coal mining and protect our nation’s industrial backbone. With the support of the current administration and Congressman Andy Barr’s continued leadership on energy policy, we are committed to advancing the coal industry, supporting our miners, and reinforcing America’s position as a global energy leader,” said the American Coal Council in a statement supporting Barr’s plan.

“We are ready to work with Andy Barr to maximize the full potential of Kentucky coal. That starts right here with our mine in Harlan County and we were honored that he visited today to see our operation and meet with our miners,” said Jake Hamilton, Superintendent of Operations of Nally and Hamilton Enterprises Inc.