Federal officials took the first step on Monday to reopen large amounts of public land in two Western countries for new coal sales, part of President Donald Trump Expand the production of fossil fuels in the United States.
The Interior Ministry’s proposal was proposed after the Biden administration, citing climate change, Trying to end fuel sales The Powder River Basin from the most productive coalfields in the United States – northeast Wyoming and southeastern Montana.
According to documents released by officials, the Trump administration is considering selling coal mining leases on more than 2,600 square miles (6,800 kilometers) of federal land in the area. That’s the larger area than Delaware.
Expanded courses reverse the use of public land to enhance Struggling with the U.S. coal industry It originated from an executive order signed by Trump on his first day of office. It is part of a widespread push by Trump to extract oil, gas and coal in U.S. public land and waters, even Republicans Withdraw support for renewable energy project.
The tax bill signed last week will reduce royalties from 12.5% to 7% for companies mining coal on public land. The bill also has a license to lease 6,250 square miles (16,200 square kilometers), which is larger than Connecticut.
A spokesman for the Home Office of Land Administration said the announcement of the Powder River Basin lease on Monday was preliminary and could change after the public comment period. The agency declined to disclose expectations for mining companies or the speed at which new mines will open.
Ashley Burke of the National Mining Association said coal companies had “clear interest in additional leases” but declined to say how much area they might buy.
“When we see our grid expand to its limits as energy demand soars, we have to acknowledge our energy reality, which means turning back previous conceptions and punitive policies,” she said.
The Biden administration calculates that the end of federal coal sales will reduce emissions of 293 million tons (266 million tons) per year. According to government analysis, this is comparable to the emissions of about 63 million gasoline-powered vehicles.
“The new coal rental is not only inconsistent with the necessary situations that hinder the progress of climate change, but also coal-fired power plants that once burned coal in the Powder River Basin are closing as more affordable clean energy enters the market.”
Scientists say greenhouse gas emissions that burn coal are the main driver of human-caused climate change, making weather more extreme, wildfires more frequent, more destructive and less reliable water supply.
A federal judge blocked Trump’s attempt to change the administration’s plan to manage the Powder River Basin in his first term, saying officials have not fully analyzed the potential Burning coal can affect health.
The 14 active coal mines in the region account for about 40% of total U.S. coal production in 2022.
Some landmines closure In recent years, with the changes in utilities, natural gas has not been too polluted to generate electricity. Last year, the company mined 512 million tons (464 million tons) of coal, the lowest since 1964.
But Burke Export abroad And the surge in number The power generated Coal burned in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
