Government's Coalie Mascot Sparks Debate Over Coal Industry Propaganda

The origins of the anthropomorphized coal mascot reveal a complicated story about federal employees navigating the Trump administration's agenda.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The U.S. government's introduction of an anthropomorphized coal mascot named Coalie has sparked widespread criticism, with many seeing it as blatant propaganda to soften the coal industry's image. However, the true origins of Coalie are more nuanced, involving federal employees at the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) who were tasked with promoting the coal industry's 'energy legacy' while navigating the Trump administration's agenda.

Why it matters

The Coalie controversy highlights the challenges faced by government employees when tasked with promoting policies that may not align with their own values or the public interest. It also raises questions about the role of federal agencies in shaping public perception of industries like coal, which have significant environmental and health impacts.

The details

Coalie first appeared on social media three weeks ago when U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum shared a cartoon image of himself with the anthropomorphized lump of coal. The image quickly went viral, with many criticizing it as obvious coal industry propaganda. However, interviews with former and current OSMRE employees reveal that Coalie was not created as a deliberate attempt to soften the coal industry's image, but rather as part of the agency's efforts to promote the industry's 'energy legacy' and support local communities.

  • Coalie first appeared on social media three weeks ago when U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum shared a cartoon image of the mascot.
  • The Coalie controversy has been ongoing since the mascot's initial appearance, with widespread criticism on social media, in newsletters, and on late-night talk shows.

The players

Doug Burgum

U.S. Secretary of the Interior who shared the initial image of Coalie on social media.

Simone Randolph

Director of Communications for the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).

Sara Eckert

Former employee of the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE).

Nitish Pahwa

Slate staff writer.

Leah Stokes

Researcher of climate and energy policy at the University of California, Santa Barbara and co-host of the podcast A Matter of Degrees.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.