Ramaco CEO Testifies Before Senate Committee on Future of Coal

Randall Atkins, CEO of the Wyoming-based coal technology company Ramaco Carbon, testified before the full U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Thursday. His testimony centered on the growing field of coal-to-products, in which the carbon from coal is used to manufacture high-value products and materials, such as carbon fiber.

In his testimony, Atkins stressed the need for America to embrace its carbon resources, and use them to create new economic and competitive advantages.

Atkins talked about the carbon products and materials that they are currently pursuing.

Atkins appeared at the invitation of ranking member Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming and committee chair Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Both senators praised Ramaco’s innovative focus on coal-to-products during their opening remarks. Senator Barrasso highlighted Ramaco’s work in Sheridan,  saying there are great opportunities for coal-to-products technologies, as raw coal can be mined, treated, and refined to separate the carbon content, and then used in high tech, high value products.