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Trump administration to sell coal leases in Alabama, Montana and Utah

The Trump administration announced on Tuesday plans for competitive coal leasing sales in Alabama, Montana and Utah this year as part of an overall government effort to boost domestic coal production.

Why it's Important The sales are part President Donald Trump’s effort to revitalize U.S. Coal Mining despite global efforts for a transition to cleaner energy sources in order to reduce planet-warming CO2 emissions.

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In a press release, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that coal has been the foundation of America's industrial and energy strength for many years. By moving forward with lease sales, "we are creating good paying jobs, supporting local community, and securing resources that keep America Strong."

By the numbers: In Tuscaloosa county, Alabama, Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management is offering two leases that cover 14,050 acres (5.685.83 ha) and are estimated to contain up to 53 million tons of metallurgical coke used in steelmaking. The sale is scheduled for September 30.

The Little Eccles Tract in Emery County is 120 acres and contains an estimated 1,29 million tons recoverable coal. Canyon Fuel Company submitted a request for the sale and it will be held on October 1st. BLM in Montana will sell 1,262 acres of estimated 167.5 millions tons of coal on October 6. The sale may extend the life of Spring Creek Mine until 2051. The mine's operator, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, applied for the lease.

CONTEXT Trump signed executive orders to boost coal production. One of these executive orders included the designation of metallurgical coking coal as an essential mineral. Trump has claimed that while coal-burning power plants generate less than 20 percent of the electricity in the United States, deregulation can revive this industry and help to support energy security. However, critics have cited coal's decreasing competitiveness and its environmental impact. Rod Nickel, Nichola Groom and Nichola Broom contributed to the reporting.

(source: Reuters)