Senate Republicans Repeal Biden-Era Coal Leasing Rule

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans passed legislation aimed at overturning a rule from the Biden administration that reserved thousands of acres for future coal leases in the Powder River Basin, which spans Montana and Wyoming and is significant for the nation’s coal reserves.

In 2019, the Powder River Basin accounted for approximately 43% of the coal produced in the U.S., as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Biden administration had effectively blocked coal leasing in crucial areas, a move that has now been challenged by this newly passed bill.

“The passage of this bill represents a significant victory for Montana and sets a national precedent,” said Republican Senator Steve Daines from Montana. He expressed his belief that the American public is opposed to extreme climate change measures, claiming that reversing this regulation is essential for safeguarding energy independence and national security.

Montana’s Republican Representatives, including Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke, introduced this Congressional Review Act resolution back in July. It received approval from the House on September 3, before passing the Senate with a 52-47 vote on Wednesday.

This bill is now headed to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

While speaking on the Senate floor, Daines described the Biden administration’s action as a “midnight rule,” enacted without support from the states impacted. He emphasized that this move was unjust and needed correction.

President Trump aims to bolster the coal industry through various policy measures, including executive orders that counteract regulations from the Biden administration that had restricted energy resources. Recently, the Trump administration also reversed a Biden-era prohibition on the Alaska Ambler Road project.

Meanwhile, Biden had pledged to shut down coal-fired power plants nationwide and enforce strict regulations on the coal industry, focusing instead on promoting renewable energy sources such as solar and offshore wind, which some consider unproven or inconsistent.

“I am pleased that the Senate has passed my bill to reverse the Biden administration’s blanket ban on coal leasing in the Powder River Basin,” stated Downing. He added that the legislation would enhance Montana’s energy resources and ensure access to affordable energy for future generations, expressing gratitude for the support of his fellow legislators. He looked forward to President Trump’s signature to kick off a new phase of U.S. energy strength.