Wyoming and Montana. This move, driven by efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, involves blocking companies from acquiring new mining rights on over 13 million acres of federally owned land. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) cited concerns over climate impacts, public health risks, and environmental consequences in its decision, aligning with a court order mandating a reassessment of environmental analyses in the area.

Despite declining coal production since its peak in 2008, the Powder River Basin remains crucial, contributing nearly half of the nation’s coal output. Environmental advocates have praised the proposal as a step toward cleaner energy sources, emphasizing the need to support affected communities and invest in workforce development. However, the plan has sparked criticism from the National Mining Association and Republican lawmakers, who argue it undermines energy security and economic interests, particularly in states like Wyoming heavily reliant on coal revenue.

This proposal forms part of broader regulatory actions by the Biden administration to curb carbon emissions and improve air quality standards, reflecting a commitment to combatting climate change and safeguarding public health from fossil fuel-related pollution.