US Ends New Coal Leasing in Montana and Wyoming

According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), continued coal leasing in the Powder River Basin poses significant risks to the climate and public health. The BLM’s environmental impact statement predicts that coal mining in Wyoming’s part of the basin will end by 2041. Currently, the region’s 14 active coal mines can continue operating on their leased lands but cannot expand onto new public lands.

In 2022, the Powder River Basin generated 251.9 million tons of coal, accounting for nearly 44% of US coal production. This change means billions of tons of coal will remain untapped, significantly impacting the US’s climate goals. Between 2005 and 2014, fossil fuel extraction from federal lands contributed to nearly a quarter of the nation’s carbon dioxide emissions.

While the decision has been applauded by environmentalists, it has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and the coal industry. Critics argue that the move could harm local economies and job markets in coal-dependent states. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso described the decision as a “war on coal” that could cost the state significant revenue for public services.

Despite these criticisms, the shift away from coal aligns with broader energy trends. US coal production has declined by 36% from 2015 to 2023, driven by the rise of cheaper natural gas and renewable energy sources. The Environmental Protection Agency’s new regulations also push for a reduction in emissions from coal-fired power plants, encouraging a transition to cleaner energy.

Overall, the end of new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin represents a critical move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for the United States.

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