Trump also has directed federal agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining and prioritize coal leasing on U.S. lands. A sweeping tax bill approved by Republicans and signed by Trump reduces royalty rates for coal mining from 12.5% to 7%, a significant decrease that officials said will help ensure U.S. coal producers can compete in global markets. FILE – In this April 4, 2013, file photo, a mining dumper truck hauls coal at Cloud Peak Energy’s Spring Creek strip mine near Decker, Mont. AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File) Expand‘Mine baby, mine’The new law also mandates increased availability for coal mining on federal lands and streamlines federal reviews of coal leases. Zeldin called coal a reliable energy source that has supported American communities and economic growth for generations.