America's largest coal source may be losing federal business. But not without a fight
Politicians across Wyoming voice anger with proposed end to Powder River Basin coal leases
The Biden administration announced plans to end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, which produces nearly half of the country's coal—much to the chagrin of top Wyoming lawmakers.
The Bureau of Land Management's environmental impact statement, released last week, revealed that the ongoing leasing of the Powder River Basin would have significantly negative effects on the climate and public health. However, it also stated that coal mining in Wyoming will continue for another 17 years, until 2041.
The Powder River Basin is the nation’s largest coal-producing region, and Wyoming produces over 40% of the nation’s coal, although the state’s output has been cut nearly in half since its 2008 peak.
The state's Republican congressional delegation, U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis, John Barrasso, and U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman, all signed a letter condemning the decision.
“I am horrified to see the Biden administration’s latest assault on our nation’s domestic energy production,” wrote Senator Lummis. “Wyoming has been targeted left and right by rule after rule handed down by this administration as it works to cater to the extremists within the Democratic Party. The Cowboy State produces some of the cleanest and best coal in the world.”
Sign up for Your Vote: Text Paste BN reporters and the elections team by joining our SMS service.
Republican Governor Mark Gordon vowed legal action against the mandate. “I am profoundly disappointed that our nation’s highest executive leadership has chosen to ignore innovation and opportunity to grovel at the feet of coastal elites.”
“As with the other attacks on Wyoming’s fossil fuel industries, the Attorney General is actively pursuing options to challenge these destructive decisions," added Gordon.
The controversial plan comes on the heels of EPA regulations announced in late April that set guidelines for coal-fired plants around the country, and drew similar ire from state lawmakers.
Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide
Some environmental groups supported the decision and stated that they viewed it as conscientious of environmental impacts and the need for an energy transition.
"We are grateful that the Biden administration has shown the courage to end coal leasing in the Powder River Basin and at long last turn the page on this climate-destroying fuel, Drew Caputo, an attorney with Earthjustice, said in a statement to Reuters.
Barrasso said the decision would kill jobs and reduce revenues his state needs for schools, roads and other services.
"President Biden continues to wage war on Wyoming's coal communities and families," said Barrasso.
Find nearby coal plants and emissions data
Enter an address to locate the nearest operating coal plants and view their carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) output for 2023. The size of the red circles represents the amount of carbon emissions. Some emissions data may be blank or incomplete for plants considered "operating" but partially out of service and not expected to return to full service within the next calendar year. Don’t see a map? Click here.
Cy Neff reports on Wyoming politics for USA Today. You can reach him at cneff@usatoday.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CyNeffNews