June 4, 2024 |
Photo – Powder River Basin Coal Mine – Courtesy USGS
Anti-carbon pressure from the Joe Biden White House have sent coal mines in Wyoming into steep production declines. The worst is yet to come.
In May, The Biden Administration announced plans to end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, which produces nearly half –40%–of the nation’s coal supply.
The PRB is the nation’s largest coal-producing region. Since the beginning of the Obama Administration 16-years ago in 2008, Wyoming’s coal output has been cut nearly in half. Now President Joe Biden is promising even more cuts.
Last month, the Bureau of Land Management released a statement saying that the ongoing leasing of coal in the Powder River Basin has significant negative effects on climate and public health. The BLM also stated that coal mining in Wyoming would continue for at least another 17 years until 2041.
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.
Lummis responded, saying that she is “horrified to see the Biden Administration’s latest assault on our nation’s domestic energy production.”
“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,” Lummis said in a statement.
Wyoming, of course, produces some of the cleanest coal in the nation.
Republican Governor Mark Gordon vowed legal action against the Biden mandate against Wyoming coal. Calling the decision “destructive” the governor said, “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.”
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.
Senator Barrasso said the decision would kill jobs and reduce revenues Wyoming needs for schools, roads and other services.
“President Biden continues to wage war on Wyoming’s coal communities and families,” said Wyoming’s senior senator.
With Wyoming facing the recent barrage of proposed rules from the federal government impacting its energy industries and public lands, Governor Gordon will host a Town Hall in Gillette later this month to discuss the issues with the public and share how the state is responding to protect its economy and energy workforce.
“The Biden Administration continues to fire broadsides at Wyoming’s core industries – coal, oil and gas, minerals, and agriculture – and attack our very way of life and our freedoms through federal rulemaking, feet-dragging, and outright interference,” Governor Gordon said. “This Town Hall will provide a forum to listen to the public’s concerns, let people know about all the things Wyoming is doing to fight back.”
The Town Hall is set for Tuesday, June 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Gillette College’s Technical Education Center. Joining the Governor will be members of the Campbell County Commission, state agency leaders, and industry representatives.
