USGS says U.S. federal lands contain coal enough for 600 years

The U.S. Geological Survey released a report estimating that federal lands hold about 356 billion short tons of coal resources and 4.2 billion short tons of reported reserves. At current national consumption rates, this amount could meet U.S. demand for roughly 600 years. The assessment covers public lands managed by the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Wyoming accounts for 14 of the 34 active federal mines and contains 87 % of the reported reserves, with the North Antelope Rochelle Mine in the Powder River Basin identified as the world’s largest coal reserve. Alaska is estimated to contain at least 140 billion short tons of resources, potentially up to 5.5 trillion short tons, highlighting gaps in geological mapping. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the study supports “American Energy Dominance” and added metallurgical coal to the 2025 List of Critical Minerals. The report fulfills an executive order signed by President Trump directing a review of federal coal resources.