Kansas Utilities Face Calls for Clean Energy

By Scout Nelson

On September 29, 2025, the Trump administration announced its “Coal Day 2.0” agenda, a plan that opens 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal mining leases. Alongside this, the administration extended compliance deadlines and rolled back safeguards designed to protect air and water quality from coal pollution.

Since taking office, the administration has already eased restrictions for Kansas utilities, making it easier for coal pollution to affect communities across the state.

Despite steady declines in coal production over the last two decades, due in part to advances in renewable energy and growing public opposition, federal policies are now shifting in favor of coal.

Earlier this year, compliance deadlines for coal miner health protections were delayed, and funding for free black lung screenings was cut.

Critics argue that these moves place the public at risk. “Every Kansas utility leader has an obligation to the people of this state to deliver affordable, clean, and reliable energy, not bow down to a dangerous political agenda at the expense of clean air and public land,” said Ty Gorman, Kansas Beyond Coal Organizing Strategist.

Sierra Club Chief Program Officer Holly Bender added that the administration’s actions will hurt both the environment and families nationwide. “Coal power is now not only the dirtiest form of electricity, but also one of the most expensive, contributing to the rising cost of Americans’ energy bills,” she said.

“Donald Trump’s plan doesn’t just saddle us with higher bills; he wants to lease millions of acres of public lands to mining companies and further slash protections for our clean air and water.”

Bender warned that the agenda would result in worsening health outcomes, higher bills, and environmental decline. “But we will not stand by as this administration takes a wrecking ball to the progress we have made, and we will continue to defend our health, our environment, and our futures.”

Kansas leaders and environmental advocates continue to call for utilities to expand investments in clean, renewable energy to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future.

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