March 21, 2017 - On Monday at a rally in Louisville, KY, President Trump introduced an executive order to open much of Kentucky up to more coal mining. Trump, a supporter of coal and coal mining communities cited the need for energy independence and to “bring American jobs back” as reasons for opening up the region to coal mining. There are reports that some coal mines are opening up again just because of Trump’s election.

“For too long the people of Kentucky have had their livelihoods stripped from them by Obama’s EPA. That ends now,” said Trump in a statement regarding the executive order. The executive order instructs the EPA to approve permits for new coal mines in Kentucky as soon as possible and rolls back existing regulations designed to keep the coal mines from being built.

“I’m just ready to get back to work,” said Roger Davenport, a former coal miner from Paducah, KY. “I’ve been doing odd jobs ever since the mines closed, and it’s not good money. Getting back in the mines will help me support my family.”

Much of the reaction on social media was positive about the announcement, but there was a vocal minority who opposed coal and planned to protest coal coming back to Kentucky.

“We deserve clean air. These people can find jobs elsewhere. Maybe they can get a job installing solar panels. But one thing is for certain, we can’t allow more coal to be burned and destroy our planet. Global warming is causing sea levels around the world to rise. Many people in Southeast Asia will have their homes underwater,” said Rana Garcia, an environmental activist who plans to have a protest in Paducah to stop the mines from opening.

Garcia called on the people of Kentucky to protest and plans a march on April 8th in downtown Paducah, KY to show Trump and community leaders that the new mines are not wanted. No one has yet to organize a counter-protest in support of coal.

“I don’t think anyone will show up,” said Cindy Haller, a local small business owner. “Kentucky was built on coal and this entire community supports coal and supports our miners. I won’t be attending the march, that’s for sure.”