LONDON, May 23 (Reuters) - U.S. government support for a

"baseless" case alleging asset managers conspired to reduce

competition in the coal sector risks undermining its goal of

energy independence, BlackRock ( BLK ), the world's biggest

asset manager, said on Friday.

The U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission

on Thursday filed a statement of interest in the case by Texas

and 12 other states against BlackRock ( BLK ) and fellow large investors

Vanguard and State Street Global Advisors (SSGA).

The states claim the companies used their substantial

holdings in U.S. coal companies to discourage competition.

"DOJ and FTC's support for this baseless case undermines the

Trump Administration's goal of American energy independence,"

BlackRock ( BLK ) said in a statement.

"As we made clear in our earlier motion to dismiss, this

case is trying to re-write antitrust law and is based on an

absurd theory that coal companies conspired with their

shareholders to reduce coal production," it said.

"Forcing asset managers to divest from coal companies will

harm their ability to access capital and invest in their

businesses and employees, likely leading to higher energy

prices."

SSGA also called the case "baseless" in a separate

statement, adding "we look forward to presenting the facts

through the legal process. Additional filings do not change our

assessment".

In its own statement, Vanguard said it had "concerns with

many of the legal interpretations promoted by the agencies", but

that it "appreciates" their support for passive fund investing,

shareholder advocacy for better corporate governance and active

investing that doesn't harm competition.

"The facts show Vanguard has stayed well within this

construct," it said.