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University of Notre Dame Faces Backlash for Holding Alabama Coal Investment Despite Carbon Pledge

Decarbonization goals seem at odds with continued coal mining investments in Alabama

The University of Notre Dame, a prominent institution with a long history rooted in Catholic values, is facing increasing scrutiny after it was revealed that the university continues to hold a stake in Alabama coal mining despite a decade-long commitment to carbon neutrality. The investment, which involves mineral rights granted to coal company Warrior Met in 2013, has sparked questions about the university’s true commitment to sustainable practices and its alignment with Pope Francis’ call for action on climate change.

For years, Notre Dame has championed sustainability, pledging to cut fossil fuel use and aim for carbon neutrality in line with the Pope’s environmental appeals. Yet, even as the university has worked toward greener goals, it has maintained ties to coal operations that contradict its stated environmental mission. The mineral rights tied to the Alabama coal investment, which involve one of the largest coal mining infrastructure developments in the state’s history, remain an active part of the university’s financial portfolio.

Despite years of calls to divest from fossil fuels, the university’s continued involvement in Alabama coal mining raises questions about the real impact of its sustainability commitments. In a statement, a university spokesperson acknowledged the investment but provided few details, leaving many unanswered questions about the scale of Notre Dame’s stake and the future of its fossil fuel holdings.

Notre Dame’s Pledge to Sustainability

The university’s commitment to sustainability was made public in 2015 following Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical on climate change. The Pope’s strong appeal to both Catholics and non-Catholics called for urgent action on climate change, urging institutions like Notre Dame to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The university took swift action, with President John Jenkins announcing efforts to transition to a greener future.

Warrior Met coal mining site Alabama

“We are recommitting to make the world a greener place,” Jenkins said in a statement at the time. Notre Dame’s leadership emphasized a long-term vision of carbon neutrality, with an emphasis on moving away from investments in fossil fuels. The institution set ambitious goals, pledging to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace environmentally friendly practices across its academic and operational systems.

Yet, a decade later, those promises appear to be under scrutiny, particularly with regard to the ongoing coal investment in Alabama. While other institutions and organizations have divested from fossil fuels in recent years, Notre Dame’s adherence to its lease with Warrior Met has remained steadfast.

Coal Investment: The Lease with Warrior Met

The controversy surrounding Notre Dame’s Alabama investment stems from its 2013 agreement with Warrior Met, a coal company based in the state. This deal, which grants Warrior Met the rights to mine coal on university-owned land, has become a symbol of the contradiction between Notre Dame’s environmental promises and its financial decisions.

Warrior Met has faced criticism in the past for safety issues and environmental concerns, further complicating the situation. The university’s role in facilitating one of the largest coal mining projects in Alabama raises questions about its dedication to sustainability, particularly as it pertains to climate action.

In a statement to Inside Climate News, a university spokesperson confirmed that Notre Dame owns mineral rights in Alabama but did not provide further details. The spokesperson acknowledged that the rights were donated to the university to support academic and research goals, though this explanation does little to address the conflict of interest posed by the coal lease.

The university’s decision to maintain the lease has drawn criticism from environmental advocates and sustainability experts alike. Emily Grubert, a former deputy assistant secretary for carbon management at the U.S. Department of Energy, voiced concerns over the university’s lack of transparency and failure to adequately address the environmental implications of holding these mineral rights.

“Just because these mineral rights were gifted doesn’t mean the university can ignore the environmental consequences,” Grubert stated. Her remarks highlight the importance of considering long-term sustainability when managing university assets, especially those tied to fossil fuel extraction.

What’s at Stake?

Notre Dame’s continued coal investment presents more than just an ethical dilemma—it also has practical implications. As universities across the nation increasingly embrace green energy solutions and divest from fossil fuels, Notre Dame’s decision to hold onto its coal rights runs counter to this broader movement. If the university intends to maintain its position as a leader in education and sustainability, it will need to rethink its commitment to fossil fuel investments.

Moreover, the broader debate surrounding divestment from fossil fuels has gained significant momentum. Institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California system have all made significant strides in divesting from fossil fuel holdings in favor of greener, more sustainable investments. This growing trend has put additional pressure on institutions like Notre Dame to align their financial portfolios with their climate promises.

In the case of Notre Dame, the contradiction between its stated sustainability goals and its continued involvement in coal mining is hard to ignore. Many question whether the university can continue to claim leadership in sustainability while actively supporting one of the most carbon-intensive industries in existence.

Moving Forward: Will Notre Dame Reconsider Its Coal Investments?

As universities continue to grapple with the challenge of balancing financial stability with environmental responsibility, Notre Dame finds itself at a crossroads. The university’s continued investment in coal mining in Alabama raises pressing questions about its future commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainability.

The Pope’s call to action on climate change remains as relevant today as it was a decade ago, and institutions like Notre Dame are under increasing pressure to lead by example. Will Notre Dame reevaluate its involvement in fossil fuel investments, or will the university continue to face backlash from environmental advocates and students calling for change?

The answer may depend on how much pressure the university faces from both internal and external stakeholders. As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for institutions to make meaningful changes to their investment portfolios becomes even more critical.

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