In a controversial move just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Biden administration announced it would end future coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, a region known for its vast coal reserves. Spanning parts of Montana and Wyoming, the Powder River Basin accounts for nearly 43% of U.S. coal production, making it a critical energy resource. The decision, which was officially filed on Wednesday, could potentially block the leasing of approximately 48 billion short tons of coal, severely limiting future mining and development in one of America’s most coal-rich regions.
Todd Yeager, the field manager for the Bureau of Land Management’s Buffalo office, confirmed the move, stating that no federal coal would be available for future leasing in the area. The announcement came just days before Americans gathered for Thanksgiving, a timing that critics have decried as politically calculated.
The decision follows proposals earlier this year, which hinted at curtailing coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, but Wednesday’s formal action signals a shift toward more aggressive environmental policies targeting coal production. This is part of the Biden administration’s broader push to transition away from fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy sources, in line with its climate goals.
Republican lawmakers, particularly those from coal-dependent states, swiftly criticized the move. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) condemned the decision, accusing the administration of punishing Wyoming communities that rely heavily on coal mining for jobs and economic stability. “After the American people issued a stunning rebuke to President Biden, he continues to punish Wyoming communities,” Barrasso said. “I will work with President Trump and his team to reverse this and other midnight regulations.”
This action is expected to be short-lived if former President Donald Trump returns to office in January 2025. Trump’s administration had previously supported coal development and rolled back many of the Obama-era restrictions on fossil fuels.
In the meantime, environmental groups have celebrated the move as a step toward reducing carbon emissions, while opponents argue it undermines the energy needs and economic livelihoods of communities that depend on coal. The future of the Powder River Basin’s coal industry remains uncertain, with much depending on the outcome of the 2024 election and the incoming administration’s policies.
