Press Releases

U.S. President Donald J. Trump recently announced new trade deals with China that will result in the purchase of millions of metric tons of American coal. This announcement came following trade negotiations between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. 

Before the two leaders met in DC, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) helped lead a Congressional letter urging President Trump to prioritize the interests of American coal. 

In response to President Trump’s announcement, Congressman Griffith released the following statement:

“I applaud President Trump for prioritizing increased U.S. coal purchases by China in recent trade negotiations. As an advocate for Southwest Virginia coal mining, I support President Trump’s negotiating tactics to have China purchase more American coal. This move will help generate economic growth, protect coal jobs and provide certainty for coal operators.”

BACKGROUND

In February 2026, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event touting Beautiful Clean Coal.

In August 2026, Congressman Griffith urged Virginia Governor Spanberger to protect Wise County’s Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center in the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger.

Congressman Griffith is Co-Chair of the Congressional Coal Caucus. 

In April 2025, Congressman Griffith attended a White House event where President Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at boosting the American coal industry.

Later in 2025, Congressman Griffith voted to codify one of these executive measures to reestablish the National Coal Council.

In May 2025, Congressman Griffith celebrated the Department of Energy’s announcement to designate metallurgical coal as a critical material.

In June 2025, Congressman Griffith penned an op-ed on federal policies that can help bolster America’s electric grid.

According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 15.5 million short tons of coal are used for steel production in the U.S. every year.

Coal continues to play an essential role in meeting domestic energy demands. During Winter Storm Fern this year, a 31% jump in coal generation helped the electric grid meet peak demand. For PJM Interconnection, which serves Virginia and 12 other states, coal accounted for a major portion of the energy generation mix.

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