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University of Notre Dame Faces Scrutiny Over Alabama Coal Investment Amid Decarbonization Pledge

As the University of Notre Dame continues its journey towards carbon neutrality, a longstanding coal investment in Alabama has raised concerns about the institution’s commitment to sustainability. Despite pledging to reduce fossil fuel usage in line with Pope Francis’ 2015 climate call, Notre Dame maintains a significant stake in a controversial coal mining operation.

A Contradiction to Notre Dame’s Sustainability Goals

In 2015, the University of Notre Dame, like many institutions of faith and education, made a bold pledge in response to Pope Francis’ urgent climate appeal. The Vatican’s call to action on climate change urged both Catholics and global citizens to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, shift toward carbon neutrality, and protect the environment. Notre Dame was quick to affirm its commitment to a greener world, with the university’s president, Rev. John Jenkins, stating the institution’s dedication to making the world a more sustainable place.

But nearly a decade after making these public commitments, the university’s actions seem to be at odds with its words. Despite its professed environmental goals, Notre Dame continues to hold and profit from mineral rights in Warrior, Alabama, which were granted to coal mining company Warrior Met. The company is one of the state’s largest players in coal mining and plans one of the biggest expansions of its operations in Alabama’s history.

This decision has led to public questions about whether the university’s financial interests are compromising its environmental pledges.

University of Notre Dame coal mining Alabama

A Long-Standing Investment in Coal

The mineral rights in question have been in the hands of Notre Dame since at least 2013. These rights allow Warrior Met to mine coal from the Alabama site, contributing to the expansion of an operation already known for safety violations and environmental concerns. The mining project is poised to affect local communities, with potential environmental risks tied to the extraction process.

According to the university, the mineral rights were gifted to it, and the arrangement with Warrior Met enables continued advancements in its academic and research missions. However, the exact details of the lease, including its terms and the amount of land involved, remain undisclosed by the university. The refusal to provide specifics has only fueled criticism, particularly from environmental groups and sustainability advocates who question the alignment of this investment with the university’s climate pledges.

Environmental Implications: A Growing Debate

Environmental experts like Emily Grubert, who previously served as deputy assistant secretary for carbon management at the U.S. Department of Energy, have voiced concerns over Notre Dame’s decision. Grubert, now an associate professor at the university’s Keough School of Global Affairs, points out that receiving mineral rights as a gift doesn’t absolve the institution from the environmental consequences of its investments.

While Notre Dame has made strides in various areas of sustainability, including divesting from fossil fuels in some of its endowments, the ongoing lease with Warrior Met presents a stark contradiction to the university’s public stance on climate change. Grubert asserts that even institutions like Notre Dame—who claim environmental leadership—must consider the broader implications of holding such assets.

Pressure Mounts for Transparency and Action

As scrutiny intensifies, the university faces growing pressure from climate activists, faculty members, and students to take a stronger stance on climate-related investments. With global attention on reducing coal dependence and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, the persistence of coal leases in its portfolio undermines Notre Dame’s environmental credibility.

Proponents of divesting from fossil fuels argue that universities, especially those aligned with religious and ethical frameworks, should lead by example. If institutions like Notre Dame continue to invest in industries that harm the environment, they risk being seen as hypocritical in their sustainability promises.

Though Notre Dame’s spokesperson declined to provide further details about its lease agreement, the broader question remains: can a prestigious university remain committed to decarbonization and sustainability while still profiting from coal extraction? The answer to that question may shape not only the university’s future but also its role as a model for other educational institutions grappling with similar ethical dilemmas.

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