CIBOLA COUNTY — On April 8, President Donald J. Trump signed a series of sweeping executive orders that reshape the national energy landscape, placing coal and uranium – Cibola specialty resources – at the center of his administration’s effort to bolster grid reliability, national security, and economic growth.
The orders, issued under the authority of the Constitution and various federal laws, direct the U.S. government to fast-track energy development across the country. With particular focus on “secure, redundant fuel sources,” the president is calling for immediate action to ensure the electric grid can support rising demands fueled by artificial intelligence data centers and new domestic manufacturing hubs.
The implications are profound for NewMexico—especiallyCibolaCounty.
Federal Orders Expand Emergency Powers
The first and most prominent order, “Strengthening the Reliability and Security of the United States Electric Grid,” gives the U.S. Department of Energy the authority to expedite grid reliability measures using emergency powers under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. This includes fast-tracking permits for power generation and preventing the retirement of critical energy resources, particularly those over 50 megawatts in capacity.
It also establishes a federal reserve margin methodology to determine which regions face electricity shortages, and which energy resources are “critical to system reliability.” These could include coal-fired and uranium-fueled power plants.
Within 90 days, the Department of Energy is required to publish its analysis and identify regions at risk—regions like Cibola County may be affected, especially as resource production ramps up at sites such as the Cebolleta Uranium Project.
Trump Administration Challenges State Climate Laws
In a companion executive order, “Protecting American Energy from State Overreach,” the president directed the U.S. Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws that limit or penalize traditional energy development. Targeted regulations include state-level climate initiatives, carbon caps, and retroactive lawsuits seeking to impose penalties for past greenhouse gas emissions.
The order specifically criticizes climate laws in New York, Vermont, and California, stating that such policies impose undue costs on Americans in states with different energy priorities. It also warns that such regulations violate constitutional principles of interstate commerce and federal supremacy.
The U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors—including New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham— immediately pushed back.
“The federal government cannot unilaterally strip states’ independent constitutional authority,” the alliance wrote in a statement. “We will keep advancing solutions to the climate crisis that safeguard Americans’ fundamental right to clean air and water.”
In a separate executive order, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry,” President Trump designated coal as a “mineral” under Executive Order 14241, granting it new legal standing. This change allows coal to qualify for fast-tracked development processes previously reserved for critical minerals.
The order also instructs federal agencies to prioritize coal leasing on public lands, rescind policies that discourage coal investment, and assess coal reserves that could support high-demand electricity needs—such as artificial intelligence data centers.
Agencies are directed to submit reports within 60 days on how to boost coal production and exports. Additionally, the administration is ordering an exemption from stricter emissions rules for coal-fired plants under the EPA’s 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards update, giving those plants until 2029 to comply.
Cibola County is home to two active coal mines— El Segundo and Lee Ranch—both operated by Peabody Energy. These mines supply coal to power plants in the Four Corners region and beyond. Under the new federal directive, these sites could be prioritized for increased production or new leasing opportunities.
Uranium Mining Revitalized in Cibola
The president’s actions come as uranium mining companies expand operations in Cibola County.
The Cebolleta Uranium Project, led by Canadian firms Premier American Uranium and American Future Fuel Corporation, has moved from resource confirmation to expansion in recent months. The companies estimate over 23 million pounds of uranium oxide at the site and are seeking to increase that figure through exploratory drilling.
Federal support is growing.
In May 2024, Congress passed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, unlocking $2.7 billion in federal funds to support domestic nuclear fuel production.
In an internal U.S. Forest Service recording, officials noted that the Trump administration’s executive orders designate uranium as an “energy priority” project, with stalled mines like Roca Honda and La Jara Mesa once again under review.
“If you read some of those executive orders on energy, they talk about uranium mining,” Cibola National Forest Supervisor Heidi McRoberts told staff at the February 26 meeting. “We have some pretty big projects on the Cibola that fall in that category, so those will be priority projects.”
Tensions Rise
Just weeks before the orders were signed, New Mexico lawmakers passed House Memorial 37 and Senate Memorial 14 to reaffirm Mount Taylor’s protected status as a Traditional Cultural Property. Though nonbinding, the resolutions expressed broad opposition to new uranium mining near sacred lands.
Mount Taylor, known as Tsoodzil, Kaweshtima, Tsiipiya, or Dwankwi Kyabachu Yalanne by local tribal nations, has long held religious and cultural significance. Environmental groups and tribal leaders warn that renewed mining activity could contaminate water sources and disrupt sacred spaces.
In Cibola County, opinions remain divided. Some residents view uranium as a pathway to economic revival for towns like Grants and Milan. Others point to the legacy of radioactive contamination, lingering health effects, and the county’s ongoing drought crisis as reasons to proceed with caution. Some refuse to even acknowledge the possibility of mining coming back.
While the executive orders provide clear marching orders to federal agencies, implementation will take time.
It remains to be seen how swiftly mining operations will resume, how courts will handle challenges to state climate laws, and how local communities will respond to the renewed energy push.
Courtesy Photo