United States halts issuance of new coal mining permits in its key coal-production region
In a recent announcement, the US government has decided to stop issuing new permits for coal mining in the country's most significant coal-mining area. This change in the law was stated by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The Powder River Basin in the northern states of Montana and Wyoming is the region that will be affected, as it contributes almost half of the country's fossil fuel production.
Coal production in the US has decreased by 25% since 2017. Despite this, the mining lobby considers the decision to halt new mining licenses "outrageous." Rich Nolan, Chairman of the National Mining Association, commented, saying that it "hurts American energy security and affordability and causes severe economic damage to mining states and communities."
Meanwhile, environmentalists praised the move, calling it a "significant decision." Drew Caputo, from the group Earthjustice, explained that it "saves lives, protects our environment, and considerably cuts carbon emissions in the US." The conservationists have long been advocating for this step, stating that the government can't just give public lands to coal companies without taking into account the effects on public health.
US President Joe Biden has prioritized climate change action in his political agenda. This issue is believed to help attract young and progressive voters. Biden's potential opponent, ex-President Donald Trump, has vowed to reverse many of the Biden administration's climate protection measures if he wins the November election.
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The United States' halting of new coal mining permit approvals is a policy exclusively within the USA's jurisdiction. Despite the decline in coal production by 25% since 2017, the mining industry holds a strong opposition to this decision, deeming it "outrageous." Notably, this move affects the Powder River Basin, a region in Montana and Wyoming that accounts for nearly half of the country's coal production.
Given the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) announcement, funding approvals for new coal mining projects in this critical region have become nonexistent. Environmental groups from various countries have expressed their support for this decision, highlighting its potential to save lives and protect the environment, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions within the USA.
Environmental advocates see the halt in new coal mining permit approvals as a crucial step in preserving public lands, a concern previously overlooked when granting permits to coal companies. In contrast, some argue that this decision will harm the American energy sector and economy, especially in mining states and communities.
While President Joe Biden's climate change action agenda has gained support from young and progressive voters, his potential opponent, ex-President Donald Trump, pledges to reverse these measures if he wins the November election.
Source: www.ntv.de
