The Biden administration has made the decision to halt coal leasing on federal lands in the Powder River Basin, the primary source of coal in the United States, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management announced the decision, which will impact over 13 million acres of public land in the Powder River Basin. This move has faced criticism from Republicans and mining groups in Western states who argue that it will negatively impact coal producers in the region.
The decision stems from a federal court ruling in 2022 which found that previous public lands management plans had not adequately addressed climate change concerns related to coal mining. The new directive aims to protect public health and the climate by ceasing the leasing of federal acres for coal mining in the region. Current mining leases in the Powder River Basin will be allowed to continue, with estimates suggesting coal mining could persist until 2040 in Wyoming and 2060 at one mine in Montana.
This decision will impact a total of 14 coal mines in the Powder River Basin, responsible for 44% of total U.S. coal production. Despite the decline in coal emissions in the U.S. over the years, industry groups and lawmakers have criticized the move, citing concerns about energy security and economic impacts.
Overall, the decision to end coal leasing in the Powder River Basin has ignited debate and raised questions about the future of the coal industry in the region and its implications for energy production and economic stability.
