In a powerful show of support for American energy, Governor Greg Gianforte joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House on Thursday to celebrate the signing of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the U.S. coal industry and unleashing American-made energy. The orders, which directly counter the energy policies of the Biden administration, are designed to restore coal production, lower energy costs, and enhance national security.
“After years of Joe Biden picking winners and losers, President Trump is flipping the switch to power our country with American-made energy,” said Gov. Gianforte. “Coal keeps the lights on in Montana, and I’m grateful for the President’s strong executive action today to pull the plug on Biden’s failed energy policies, lower energy costs, and restore national security.”
President Trump highlighted the detrimental impact of Biden-era policies on the American coal industry. “For four long years, Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats tried to abolish the American coal industry,” President Trump stated. “They shut down dozens of coal plants, banned coal leases on federal lands, and put thousands of coal miners out of work, destroying their lives.”
Focusing on Montana’s role in the energy sector, President Trump pointed to positive actions already underway, including the Department of the Interior’s approval of the expansion of the Spring Creek Mine, which supports 280 coal mining jobs and unlocks over 40 million tons of coal. “There is more to come,” he added.
During the visit, Governor Gianforte was joined by miners, governors, members of Congress, and energy leaders as President Trump signed executive orders to designate coal as a mineral and rescind anti-coal policies. The orders aim to reignite coal production and push the U.S. toward energy dominance.
“I’ll continue to work with the President and his administration to ensure Montanans have access to affordable and reliable energy for their homes, schools, and small businesses,” said Gov. Gianforte, reiterating his commitment to securing energy independence for the state.
Under the Biden administration, energy costs rose by 30%, contributing to a nationwide affordability crisis. In addition to higher prices, Biden’s Resource Management Plan Amendment prohibited future coal leases in eastern Montana through 2038. The Biden-era Environmental Protection Agency also implemented rules threatening to shut down coal production at the Colstrip plant, which would have cost Montana consumers $1.1 billion over the next 20 years.
As one of the largest coal plants in the western U.S., Colstrip employs around 360 Montanans at the power station and another 370 at the Rosebud Mine. Together, the power plant and mine supply enough energy to power nearly 500,000 homes.
Governor Gianforte, who has consistently promoted an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, praised the administration’s commitment to coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and hydropower. “This is a victory for Montana’s energy future,” he said, noting the importance of having a diverse energy mix to ensure affordable and reliable power for Montanans.
In the coming weeks, Governor Gianforte will launch the “Unleashing Energy Task Force,” which will develop long-term solutions to ensure Montana’s energy security for years to come. The task force will focus on creating policies that support the continued development of the state’s vast energy resources while keeping energy costs low for residents and businesses.