Friends of Coal
Friends of Coal is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association established to advocate for the coal industry’s economic and social significance in Kentucky. The organization emphasizes coal’s role in job creation, energy production, and state identity, positioning itself as a coalition of supporters committed to promoting the industry’s interests.

History and Mission

Founded in 2008, Friends of Coal operates as a volunteer-driven entity focused on public education and community outreach. While similar organizations exist in other states, such as West Virginia’s Friends of Coal (founded in 2002), the Kentucky chapter emerged during debates over the industry’s regulatory and economic challenges. Its mission centers on framing coal as a “critical economic contributor” to Kentucky, emphasizing job retention and economic stability for future generations.

Activities

The group engages in sponsorships, educational campaigns, and grassroots advocacy. Key efforts include:

• Scholarships: Awarding academic scholarships to students with family ties to the coal industry, totaling over $222,930 annually in related programs by 2019[^2].
• Event Sponsorships: Partnering with local sports teams, concerts, and fairs to increase visibility, including past collaborations with universities and high schools for athletic events branded as the “Friends of Coal Bowl”[^2].
• Community Outreach: Hosting informational booths at state fairs, family outings, and public events to disseminate pro-coal messaging[^4][^5].

Controversies

Friends of Coal has faced criticism for perceived industry greenwashing, particularly regarding sponsorships of academic and athletic institutions. Critics argue such partnerships normalize coal’s environmental impact while leveraging regional pride to deter opposition[^2].

[^2]: Founded as a countermeasure to environmental activism, the group expanded through coal-linked identity campaigns[^2].
[^4]: Outreach includes annual appearances at the West Virginia State Fair and similar Kentucky events, though specific Kentucky activities are less documented[^4].
[^5]: Registered as a Kentucky nonprofit with a Lexington address, focusing on “good jobs and benefits” narratives[^5].

Note: The provided web domain (kentuckycoal.org) does not directly align with cited materials, which reference friendsofcoalkentucky.org for Kentucky-specific operations[^3][^5].

[1] https://www.friendsofcoal.org [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_of_Coal [3] https://friendsofcoalkentucky.org [4] https://www.friendsofcoal.org/news?start=742 [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/262720454