Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released updated guidance on essential critical infrastructure that should remain operational during the COVID-19 crisis. This expanded DHS guidance highlights the coal supply chain as having a “special responsibility” to maintain operations during the pandemic because it is “critical to ensuring the reliability of the electrical system.”
America’s Power issued the following statement by Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO:
“Even before the COVID-19 crisis, the nation’s fleet of coal-fired power plants has been a critical part of our energy mix. Providing nearly one quarter of the nation’s electricity needs, the coal fleet is one of our most reliable, resilient and fuel-secure sources of electricity. During this period of uncertainty, we commend the Department of Homeland Security for recognizing that the coal supply chain—coal producers, railroads, barges, equipment suppliers, and others—is ‘essential critical infrastructure’ necessary to support public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.”
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America’s Power is a partnership of industries involved in producing electricity from coal.