SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR COAL INDUSTRY

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 4, 2026) — On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Department of Energy announced a federal initiative providing hundreds of millions in funding to support coal-fired power generation and coal export infrastructure across America, including projects in Kentucky. Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, issued the following statement regarding the announcement:

"Kentucky's economy depends on affordable and reliable energy. That's why the General Assembly has worked to protect critical baseload generation, support a long-term strategy through the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission and position ourselves to meet growing energy demands without sacrificing reliability.

"Coal remains a vital part of Kentucky's energy portfolio and supports thousands of jobs across our commonwealth. We welcome efforts to recognize and support coal's continued role in maintaining energy reliability and meeting growing energy needs.

"Kentucky will continue advocating for an all-of-the-above energy strategy prioritizing reliability, affordability and energy security."

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, projects in Kentucky are selected for funding to support the modernization and long-term operation of existing coal-fired generation assets.

The federal initiative includes up to $425 million for projects supporting America's coal fleet and up to $75 million for development of the West Gateway Terminal Project in California, which would expand U.S. coal export capacity to allied nations in the Indo-Pacific region. The administration says the projects are intended to strengthen domestic coal supply chains, support reliable baseload generation and bolster America's energy security.

Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As the Senate President, he is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. Stivers is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. 

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort in June to start the 2026 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2027 30-day session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027.