FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2025
Charleston, W.Va. – America’s Coal Associations, representing state and national advocates of both thermal and metallurgical coal, strongly condemns the 60 Plus Association for aligning itself with pro-ESG financial giants BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard, and against American energy producers harmed by ESG-driven policies.
A coalition of 11 states, led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, filed a lawsuit in November against BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard, three of the world’s largest institutional investors. The lawsuit alleges these firms engaged in anticompetitive trade practices designed to deliberately restrict the market for coal, in violation of antitrust laws.
Despite this action to defend domestic energy production, 60 Plus has launched a series of misleading attack ads against Attorneys General Todd Rokita (IN), Kris Kobach (KS), Austin Knudsen (MT), and Andrew Bailey (MO), who signed onto the lawsuit, claiming that the lawsuit will harm coal producers and raise energy prices for consumers.
“As the voice of coal producers across the United States, we are deeply disappointed that 60 Plus has chosen to side with ESG-focused financial institutions instead of standing with the American energy industry,” stated Chris Hamilton, President of West Virginia Coal Association speaking on behalf of America’s Coal Association. “BlackRock, State Street, and Vanguard have used their market power to push policies that undermine reliable, affordable energy. The states’ lawsuit is a necessary step to protect coal producers and the communities that depend on them.”
America’s Coal Associations stands firmly with those fighting back against ESG mandates that threaten America’s energy independence and economic stability.
America’s Coal Associations are comprised of the following state mining associations and coal advocacy groups which account for 381,000 men and woman who are employed by the nation’s coal industry and $261 Billion in annual economic impact. America’s Coal Associations members mine both high grade thermal coal used to generate electricity and the world’s finest metallurgical coal used to produce steel.
The following State Coal Associations and Groups have signed on to the above response:
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