Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s Chief Energy Adviser, Randall Luthi, says the administration is focused on the current and future state of coal and what that means for the people in the industry.

“Those who have dedicated their lives to seeing that our black coal is actually used in supplying energy,” Luthi said.

He addressed the Wyoming Joint Minerals, Business, and Economic Development Committee Wednesday in Casper, Wyoming.

Luthi says the two bankruptcies of BlackJewel and Cloud Peak Energy affect not only Campbell County, but the entire state. He also says Gordon has worked closely with the Attorney General’s office and Campbell County as negotiations continue for the Contura and BlackJewel sale.

“We’re hopeful that it’s resolved,” Luthi said. “We’re hopeful for a resolve that will allow the miners to come back to the mine in the near future and that coal will once again be leading that mine and be available for sale.”

Luthi announced that Cloud Peak has found a buyer for its mine and that is some good news. He expressed concern over the long term future of Wyoming coal in the United States.

“However, other countries are interested in getting coal,” Luthi said. “And the governor is determined to explore all markets for coal as a fuel and coal as a non-energy use as well.”

He also told the committee the other forms of energies such as oil, gas, and uranium remain at the top of the priority list for Gordon as well.

“We will move forward in our quest to supply the U.S. and the world with a supply of energy,” Luthi said.

He says this only somewhat scratches the surface with what the Gordon Administration and the committee is focused on right now, but Luthi says everyone will continue to work together.