Episode Description

In this in-person episode of Coal Nation, ACC CEO Emily Arthun sits down at Core Natural Resources' headquarters with Matt Mackowiak, Director of Government Affairs, to unpack Core's campaign… The Coal Hard Truth and why the industry believes "coal's story" needs to be told more clearly right now. Matt explains how the campaign was built to counter the "coal is dead" narrative with primary-source, fact-checked data and fast, digestible social content, while Emily digs into the biggest misconceptions they see—from confusing water vapor with pollution, to underestimating coal's role in grid reliability and affordability during peak demand and winter events.

The conversation also broadens beyond electricity into coal's industrial importance (steel, cement, global development), export demand, and emerging innovation—from rare earth recovery to coal-based battery materials and domestic supply chains. They close with a look at policy and energy security, the value of a balanced "all-of-the-above" energy mix, and a call for listeners to explore thecoalhardtruth.com and actively share the content to help educate wider audiences.

Key Takeaways

• The Coal Hard Truth campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of coal.
• Social media has been a powerful tool in spreading awareness about coal's benefits.
• Misconceptions about coal being a dying industry are prevalent and need to be addressed.
• Coal remains a reliable energy source, especially during high-demand periods.
• The industrial uses of coal extend beyond energy production, including steel and concrete.
• Innovation in the coal industry is ongoing, with new uses being explored.
• Domestic energy production is crucial for national security and energy independence.
• Community engagement is vital for the coal industry's future and its perception.
• The coal industry offers diverse job opportunities, appealing to a wide range of skill levels.
• Education and awareness are key to changing the narrative around coal.

Resources & Links: Learn more about Core Natural Resources → https://corenaturalresources.com/ Learn more about The Coal Hard Truth → https://thecoalhardtruth.com/ Learn more about the American Coal Council → www.americancoalcouncil.org

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