Political Momentum Powers Coal’s Resurgence
By Ralph F. Shicatano Jr., April 16, 2025

Northeastern Pennsylvania, the historic heart of America’s coal industry, is experiencing a powerful resurgence in coal mining and energy production, fueled by favorable political shifts, soaring energy demands, and robust economic conditions. This revival is driving unprecedented demand for scarce industrial real estate, creating high-paying jobs and positioning the region as a linchpin in the nation’s energy and industrial future. While the pivot away from renewables has sparked debate, the economic upside of coal’s comeback—bolstered by exports and AI-driven energy needs—is undeniable.

In April 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders to supercharge the coal industry, declaring it “vital to America’s energy dominance” and slashing regulatory hurdles to boost production and exports. These policies are bringing workers back to the fossil fuel economy, offering better-paying jobs than many renewable energy roles. Coal mining jobs in Pennsylvania, with average annual salaries around $84,000, outpace the $60,000 median for solar and wind technicians. The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has hailed the move, noting that coal supports thousands of families in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Republican U.S. Representative Dan Meuser has championed the initiative, emphasizing coal’s role in powering 16% of U.S. electricity and its growing export market, with Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal increasingly shipped to Asia and Europe.

Left-leaning critics, such as PennFuture, argue that renewables are cheaper and less environmentally damaging, warning that fossil fuel reliance could harm the region’s long-term prospects. However, the immediate economic benefits—high-paying jobs, export revenue, and energy reliability—are overshadowing these concerns, positioning coal as a cornerstone of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s growth.

Coal and Fracking Boom: Jobs and Exports

The resurgence of coal mining is revitalizing Northeastern Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2022, the state produced 8.2 million tons of anthracite and 40.2 million tons of bituminous coal, with 58% of the latter used domestically and a growing share exported to meet global energy demands. Companies like Atlantic Carbon Group, operating four mines in Luzerne County, employ around 200 workers and are expanding to capitalize on export markets. These high-paying jobs are drawing workers back from struggling renewable sectors, boosting local economies in rural communities.

Fracking is also thriving in the Marcellus Shale region, where Pennsylvania remains the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer. The industry supports thousands of jobs, with average salaries exceeding $90,000, and contributes vital tax revenue to counties like Susquehanna and Bradford. While environmental concerns persist, 86% of Pennsylvanians view natural gas as essential to the state’s economy, reinforcing its role alongside coal in driving growth.

Scarce Industrial Real Estate: A Booming Market

The coal and fracking boom is fueling a frenzy for scarce industrial real estate in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Energy companies are snapping up land for mines, processing plants, and export terminals, while the region’s strategic location near major ports and markets like Philadelphia and New York City amplifies its appeal. A 2024 Allegheny Conference report pegged the coal industry’s economic output at $679 million in the Allegheny Mountain region, with ripple effects in rail, trucking, and shipping—each demanding more land.

Economic tailwinds are intensifying this demand. Rising interest rates and inflation are pushing investors toward hard assets like industrial land, while proposed tariffs on foreign goods are spurring a manufacturing resurgence. The jobs market, bolstered by high-paying energy roles, is driving demand for warehouses and distribution centers. Northeastern Pennsylvania’s scarce industrial land is now a hot commodity, with developers racing to secure sites before supply dwindles further.

AI and Data Centers: A New Energy Frontier

The rise of AI-driven data centers is supercharging energy and land demand. These facilities, consuming up to 1 GW of power—equivalent to a large coal plant—are projected to double or triple U.S. energy use by 2028, according to the Department of Energy. The Trump administration’s push to power AI infrastructure with coal is a boon for Northeastern Pennsylvania, where abundant coal reserves ensure reliable electricity. This trend is driving demand for scarce industrial land near coal mines and power plants, as data center operators seek proximity to energy sources.

Energy Supply Chain and Microgrids: Fueling the Future

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s energy supply chain—spanning coal, natural gas, and oil—is evolving to meet these demands. Coal remains a dependable baseload power source, particularly for data centers that require uninterrupted electricity. Natural gas, fueled by fracking, complements coal with its flexibility, while oil supports transportation and industrial needs. The region’s coal exports, projected to grow as global energy demand rises, are strengthening its role in the international supply chain.

Microgrid projects are emerging to power the AI revolution. These localized systems, often combining coal and natural gas, provide reliable electricity for data centers and industrial facilities. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, microgrids could leverage the region’s fossil fuel wealth to ensure grid stability, further increasing demand for scarce industrial land to house these projects.

The Race for Scarce Industrial Land

The confluence of coal’s resurgence, fracking’s expansion, AI-driven energy needs, and robust economic conditions is creating a fierce competition for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s scarce industrial real estate. Land near coal mines, gas wells, and transportation hubs is in high demand, as energy and tech companies vie for strategic sites. The Pennsylvania Coal Alliance highlights coal’s extensive supply chain, from mining to exports, which requires vast tracts of land for operations, storage, and logistics.

Yet, the supply of viable land is tightening. Environmental regulations and legacy mine reclamation efforts could limit development, while community concerns about fracking and coal add complexity. While some advocate repurposing former mine lands for renewables, the immediate economic benefits of fossil fuels are driving land use decisions. The scarcity of industrial land is a critical bottleneck, pushing developers to act quickly to secure sites.

A Bright Economic Future

Northeastern Pennsylvania is riding a wave of economic opportunity. The coal industry’s comeback, fueled by exports and AI energy demands, is creating high-paying jobs and revitalizing communities. Fracking’s growth and the rise of microgrids are cementing the region’s role as an energy powerhouse. As demand for scarce industrial real estate soars, Northeastern Pennsylvania is poised for a new era of prosperity—one built on the strength of its fossil fuel heritage and its ability to meet the world’s energy needs.