East Central Reporter

Chris Miller, representative for Illinois House District 101, expressed support for efforts to revive the coal industry. He said that these efforts would increase energy supply, lower electricity costs, and improve grid stability. This follows an executive order signed by President Trump aimed at revitalizing the clean coal sector.

"President Trump is unleashing American Energy by bringing back the coal industry to increase our energy supply, lower electricity costs, stabilize our grid, and create high-paying jobs," said Chris G. Miller, State Representative for 101st District (R), according to Facebook.

In April, President Trump and his administration allowed mining on public lands and permitted older coal-fired power plants to remain operational. They also exempted some of these plants from regulations aimed at reducing emissions of toxic chemicals, according to a report from the Associated Press. The coal industry once provided more than half of the nation's electricity but has seen a decline as utilities have adopted clean energy sources and converted coal-fired plants to burn natural gas. Since 2014, coal production has dropped from 907 million metric tons to 524 million metric tons as of 2023.

Screenshot of State Representative Chris Miller's May 8 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller's Facebook page

On April 8, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241." The order states that increasing domestic energy production is necessary to lower the cost of living and ensure America’s prosperity and national security. Trump emphasized coal as a key part of that strategy, describing it as abundant, cost-effective, and usable in all weather conditions. The order also directs the secretaries of multiple departments to submit a consolidated report identifying coal resources and reserves on federal lands, assessing obstacles to mining those resources, and outlining policies to facilitate coal mining by public or private entities.

According to Utility Dive, as of early 2025, coal-fired power plants accounted for 15% of U.S. electricity capacity, down from 26% at the end of 2015. There is no indication that utilities plan to build new coal-fired plants. Rob Gramlich, CEO of Grid Strategies, said the Trump administration’s actions on coal will not improve the economics of using that energy source. "I don’t think these orders change the facts that coal-fired power plants are old, expensive to run, and unlikely to operate very often or for many more years," said Gramlich.

Miller has served in the Illinois State House of Representatives since his election in 2019. A native of Illinois, he operates as a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He holds an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Science in Education.