U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) has introduced a legislative package aimed at revitalizing Kentucky’s coal industry and expanding its role in the nation’s energy and economic sectors. The proposals seek to create new domestic markets for coal-based materials while emphasizing national security and job creation.
“Coal once powered 50% of America’s electricity. Today, that number is now below 20%—not because we ran out of coal, but because Barack Obama and Joe Biden waged war on it,” said Congressman Barr. “President Trump said we are going to put the miners back to work, and that’s exactly what this plan aims to do. We want to secure coal’s place going forward and deliver good paying Kentucky jobs for the future.”
The legislative effort received support from industry leaders. Sam McKown, President and Executive Director of the Kentucky Coal Association, stated: “The Kentucky Coal Association is grateful for Congressman Barr’s support of coal, a vital resource both for job creation and energy resilience in our Commonwealth and nation.”
Randall W. Atkins, Chairman and CEO of Ramaco Resources, Inc., commented: “Congressman Barr is an exceptional champion of an all-of-the-above energy policy. The last administration abused its power by putting its finger on the scale to pick winners and losers. We appreciate Congressman Barr standing strong to fight for the American coal industry and our country’s hard-working coal miners.”
Emily Arthun, CEO of the American Coal Council, added: “Congressman Barr’s continued support for coal reflects a clear understanding of its vital role in powering America’s energy grid and fueling industrial sectors essential to our economy. Coal has long been a keystone feature of the American success story—a symbol of industrial production and prosperity. Just as coal has defined our past and powers our present, it also has a future built on innovative solutions, advanced use cases, and technological enhancements. We commend Congressman Barr for championing policies that embrace coal’s full potential to serve the American people.”
Among the measures included is the RESCUE Act (Rare Earths from Coal for U.S. Energy), which would classify rare earth extraction from coal waste as a critical project under federal law, potentially opening up new revenue streams for Kentucky operators while addressing reliance on foreign sources such as China.
Other proposed bills aim to prevent discrimination against coal companies in federal contracts or funding decisions; encourage recycling uses for materials like coal ash; accelerate permitting processes for projects tied to national defense; and streamline approval procedures under existing federal infrastructure laws.
Andy Barr has represented Kentucky’s 6th district in Congress since 2013 after replacing Ben Chandler (source). He previously served in the Kentucky House of Representatives (source). Born in Lexington in 1973, he continues to reside there (source). He holds degrees from both the University of Virginia (BA) and University of Kentucky College of Law (JD) (source).
