NE Wyoming News

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman has introduced the Combating Obstruction Against Leasing (COAL) Act in an effort to counter what she describes as the Biden Administration's efforts to end coal mining in the United States. The proposed legislation mandates the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to expedite the processing of coal lease applications, aligning with federal responsibilities under the Mineral Leasing Act. Representatives Dan Meuser and Carol Miller have also backed this bill.

“The Biden Administration ideological assault on coal is crippling Wyoming’s energy potential and setting our nation on a path to energy poverty,” Congresswoman Hageman stated. “The COAL Act ensures the federal government fulfills its obligation to lease public resources fairly and efficiently. I am thrilled to work with the new Trump Administration to unleash America’s full energy potential. This is a win for Wyoming, for the economy, and for the energy independence that makes America stronger and more secure.”

Congresswoman Miller commented on the importance of coal as an energy resource: “Coal is a powerful energy resource that keeps West Virginia and our country running, but the Biden administration has made it nearly impossible to obtain a permit to have a lease or mine. The Combating Obstruction Against Leasing Act of 2025 requires the Department of Interior to take necessary steps to responsibly approve applications so companies can proceed with coal mining operations. For the United States to be energy dominant, we must increase our energy supply by allowing more permits and opportunities for extraction and mining.”

The background provided indicates that lobbying efforts by environmental groups during President Biden's tenure led to restrictive policies affecting the coal industry. The COAL Act aims to direct the Department of Interior to act on pending lease applications while nullifying Secretarial Order 3338, which had called for a reevaluation of federal coal leasing policies.