Tell President Biden: Westerners support ending coal leasing in the Powder River Basin

This spring, the Biden Administration's Bureau of Land Management (BLM), announced that it will end leasing federally owned coal in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming.

This decision represents a historic shift in management of federal coal in the largest coal-producing region in the United States. By acknowledging the climate, environmental and health impacts of coal mining and recognizing that the market has shifted away from coal toward cleaner and more affordable energy sources, the Biden Administration is prioritizing the long-term health of the land and people over short-term profits.

To protect this rule from attacks in Congress, we are calling on westerners to express their support for this common sense decision. Will you add your signature to this petition thanking the Administration for ending federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin?

This landmark decision will ensure that nearly six billion tons of coal will remain in the ground. Under BLM's decision, existing mines can develop already-leased reserves, but cannot lease more coal. The coal mines in the region have enough coal under lease to continue to operate until between 2034-2060.

Coal has powered our nation for many decades, but technology, economics and markets are changing radically. This common sense decision follows numerous coal company bankruptcies, coal mine and plant closure announcements, and many coal lease applications which have been pending and delayed for years at the requests of mining companies facing declining demand.

BLM's action will protect taxpayers from wasting publicly-owned resources on an industry in decline, and allow the agency to focus on supporting communities through the transition away from coal, investing in workers, and moving to heal our lands, waters and climate.

Unfortunately, BLM's action is being attacked by members in Congress.

Will you sign our petition to tell the Biden Administration that westerners support ending federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, and focusing on the transition to a bright clean energy future?