The Department of the Interior has opened 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leasing, tripling the benchmarks set by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It will also lower royalty rates to 7% to strengthen competitiveness and streamline approvals for projects in Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, and beyond
“President Trump promised to put American energy workers first, and today we’re delivering,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
“By reducing the royalty rate for coal, increasing coal acres available for leasing, and unlocking critical minerals from mine waste, we are strengthening our economy, protecting national security, and ensuring that communities from Montana to Alabama benefit from good-paying jobs. Washington doesn’t build prosperity, American workers and entrepreneurs do, and we’re giving them the tools to succeed.”
Warrior Met Coal Mining recently had the highest bid on two coal leases in Tuscaloosa County, Ala., which generated over $46 million in revenue and will give access to 53 million tons of metallurgical coal on 14,050 acres of federal mineral estate.
“This lease sale is another example of how the Department of the Interior is delivering on President Trump’s commitment to unleash American energy, strengthen rural economies and secure fair returns for the American people,” said Burgum.
“By expanding access to America’s world-class metallurgical coal reserves, we are creating good-paying jobs, supporting domestic steel production, and reinforcing our nation’s Energy Dominance.”
Source: Department of the Interior