Trump administration accelerates Alabama coal expansion mostly for foreign steel markets

The Trump administration is expediting the approval of a major Alabama coal mine expansion despite environmental and safety concerns, with most of the coal destined for export to foreign steelmakers.

Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The Warrior Met Blue Creek mine expansion will be among Alabama’s largest coal infrastructure projects, with production expected to rise by 60%, mostly serving overseas steel industries.
The Trump administration added the project to the FAST-41 program, speeding up environmental reviews despite past longwall mining in the area causing property damage and deadly methane explosions.
Critics warn the expansion threatens to worsen climate change and local environmental hazards while largely benefiting foreign markets rather than U.S. energy independence.

Key quote:

"We sell substantially all of our steelmaking coal production to steel producers outside of the United States."

— Warrior Met corporate filing

Why this matters:

Coal mining poses significant environmental and health risks. Longwall mining can cause land subsidence, damaging homes, and ecosystems. Methane leaks from mines have already led to deadly explosions in Alabama communities. Despite the U.S. government's justification that projects like Blue Creek reduce foreign mineral dependence, nearly all of this coal will fuel foreign steel production, not domestic energy needs. Fast-tracking such projects also undercuts comprehensive environmental reviews that evaluate long-term impacts, including contributions to climate change.

insideclimatenews.org

Trump administration accelerates Alabama coal expansion mostly for foreign steel markets

Senate moves to gut clean energy tax credits as deal nears

UN climate talks face growing backlash over corporate influence and stalled action

Climate scientist warns Earth is approaching tipping points that could reshape the planet

Extreme heat and wildfires surge across southern Europe as temperatures break records

Hotter heat waves are sticking around as the planet keeps warming

Rising seas may erase land, but not national identity, legal experts say

Old satellites vital to hurricane tracking will soon stop transmitting data

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.