Congress Designates October 2025 as 'Coal Week,' Praising Industry for Energy Stability

This isn't a bill that changes regulations or cuts checks; it’s a resolution—a formal statement from Congress. Specifically, it designates the week starting October 19, 2025, as “Coal Week.” Think of it like a public thank you note and a reminder that coal is still part of the U.S. energy mix.

The Official Nod to Coal Workers

The core of the resolution is praise. It commends the men and women in the coal industry for their hard work, citing their role in building, maintaining, and delivering energy access across the country. The resolution points out that coal provided 19.5% of the U.S.’s utility-scale electricity in 2022. For those of us who just need the lights to stay on, this resolution affirms the industry’s continued importance in keeping the grid stable and affordable.

History, Security, and Grid Reliability

This resolution doesn't just focus on the present; it leans heavily into history and national security. It reminds us that coal was essential for the Industrial Revolution and even helped the U.S. Navy transition from sail to steam, bolstering military readiness. Today, the text argues that coal remains vital for national security by providing reliable, on-demand power—the kind you need to keep military bases and critical infrastructure running without interruption. This is the policy version of saying, “We see you, and we need you.”

Acknowledging Environmental Progress

One interesting provision is the resolution’s acknowledgment of environmental improvements. It congratulates the industry for making progress in cutting pollution from coal plants through the use of newer technology. While environmental groups might argue that the overall impact of coal remains high, the resolution highlights the industry’s efforts to clean up its act, which is a key talking point for those who want to keep coal in the energy portfolio.

What This Means on the Ground

Since this is a non-binding resolution, it doesn't change your utility bill or impose new regulations. Its impact is purely symbolic and rhetorical. For coal workers, it’s a formal recognition of their value. For everyone else, it’s a clear signal from Congress that, despite the massive push toward renewables, they still view coal as a fundamental pillar of U.S. energy and economic stability. While those pushing for a faster transition to clean energy might see this as emphasizing the past over the future, it confirms that the coal industry remains a powerful, recognized force in the national energy conversation.