BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Energy announcing its intent to make approximately $122 million available, through a competitive process, to establish coal products innovation centers:
“Secretary Brouillette and the Trump Administration are making significant investments in research and development aimed at creating new, innovative markets for coal. North Dakota would be an excellent choice to host one of these innovation centers, and I hope the Energy Department seriously considers the resources and expertise our state possesses.”
According to the Energy Department, the innovation centers will focus on manufacturing value-added, carbon-based products from coal, as well developing new methods to extract and process rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal. The Williston basin is an example of a coal basin which could host one of these innovation centers. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette announced the Department’s intention to make these funds available today.
“It’s vitally important that America develop a viable domestic supply of rare earth elements, critical minerals, and other valuable products from our vast coal resources,” said Secretary Brouillette. “This effort moves us closer to that goal. The Trump Administration has been aggressively investing in research and development for novel uses of coal that have the potential to create new markets for coal and coal byproducts. Sustaining domestic coal production creates new economic opportunity for coal state economies and benefits the Nation.”