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BLM Halts Future Coal Mining on Federal Lands in Powder River Basin

BLM Halts Future Coal Mining on Federal Lands in Powder River Basin

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) revealed plans to stop issuing new coal mining leases on federally managed lands within Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. This area, a significant geological formation extending into Montana, has been the largest national coal source for several decades.

This announcement has sparked controversy in the fossil fuel industry, particularly in a region known for substantial coal production. However, it’s a welcomed move for those advocating for a cleaner energy transition.

According to Melissa Hornbein, an attorney at the Western Environmental Law Center, this decision is a critical and overdue step the BLM has taken. The organization represented numerous environmental groups that legally challenged the BLM’s prior resource management strategies for this area.

The cessation of coal mining is part of the BLM Buffalo Field Office’s Resource Management Plan (RMP). The detailed document outlines how the agency aims to manage the various uses for the land under its jurisdiction close to Gillette, Wyoming. The BLM is legally required to leverage a “multiple use” approach in its resource management plans that balance resource extraction, preservation, and recreation.

Travis Deti, executive president of the Wyoming Mining Association, harshly criticized the BLM’s plan, dubbing it a “ridiculous assault on our coal industry.” He expressed concerns over the potential loss of thousands of jobs in Wyoming and potential repercussions for the state’s revenue base and the reliability of the American electricity grid.

The BLM released prior versions of its Buffalo RMP during both the Obama and Trump administrations. However, environmental groups argued that the agency did not adequately consider national environmental and health implications of mining and burning millions of additional tons of coal over multiple decades. These groups successfully sued the agency over these plans.

In response to the first lawsuit in 2018, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris sided with environmental groups, asserting that the BLM was obligated to assess “the environmental consequences of downstream combustion of coal, oil, and gas open to development.” As a result, the BLM reconsidered the environmental impacts of burning coal from the Powder River Basin, Hornbein said.

She claimed that this action not only holds environmental significance but also substantial public health benefits. Coal mining and its subsequent use lead to a broad range of health issues such as premature birth, fetal brain damage, respiratory infections, and even mortality.

The decision to stop new coal mining leases follows the BLM’s recent update to its land management approach, which now acknowledges conservation as an essential component of public lands management.

Deti invoked the agency’s multiple use mandate when criticizing the updated Buffalo management plan, suggesting that President Biden and environmental advocates are ignoring BLM’s multiple use responsibilities under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and moving the country towards a significant energy crisis.

Despite the potential landscape preservation, Hornbein believes the decision is more aligned with the agency’s analysis of environmental and public health effects from coal mining.

However, she acknowledged that this new plan could disrupt the economies of coal communities. As coal demand has decreased in the last two decades, tax revenues have been affected in these communities. Thus, both federal and local governments and coal companies must collaborate to mitigate the financial effects of halting coal production.

As of 2022, both industrial and commercial use of coal were down over 60 percent from the turn of the century, based on data from the U.S. Energy Information.

Both Hornbein and Deti foresee a potential legal challenge to the BLM’s Buffalo resource management plan. Deti urged Wyoming’s policy leaders to contest this action forcefully, while Hornbein expects a challenge, though none has been made at this point. The public has until June 17 to comment on the final resource management plan.

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024