The Biden administration moves to halt new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, aiming to curb fossil fuel extraction.
Maxine Joselow reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The Biden administration will end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, the largest coal-producing region in the U.S.
- Climate activists celebrate the decision, which could prevent billions of tons of coal from being mined.
- Critics, including Republican lawmakers and mining groups, argue it will harm local economies and energy security.
Key quote:
“The nation’s electricity generation needs are being met increasingly by wind, solar and natural gas. The nation doesn’t need any increase in the amount of coal under lease out of the Powder River Basin.”
— Tom Sanzillo, director of financial analysis at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
Why this matters:
This move aligns with national climate goals by reducing carbon emissions from coal, addressing environmental and public health concerns, and signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources. Read more: Appalachia is transitioning from coal. Here’s what it could learn from Germany.
