‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances

The first expedited coal lease under the Big Beautiful Bill has advanced with the goal of energy independence and job creation in mind. An energy advocacy group says the move is “exactly what we need.”

Larry Behrens of Power the Future told The Center Square that “for generations, coal has answered the call when we need it and that’s why this order is both symbolic and practical.”

Power the Future is a nonprofit dedicated to the Americans working in reliable energy sources, according to its website.

Behrens told The Center Square that “when American energy demand set a new record less than two weeks ago, coal was the second-largest energy source used to keep the lights on and the ACs running.”

“Chinese-made wind and solar have received billions in subsidies but can’t deliver when it’s needed most,” Behrens said.

“The first expedited coal lease under the One Big Beautiful Bill aims to secure reliable energy that is ‘Made in the USA’ and that’s exactly what we need,” Behrens said.

The Department of the Interior announced in a news release that it “completed the environmental review for a major Utah coal project, marking the first expedited coal leasing action under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

“By moving forward with responsible coal leasing, the Department of the Interior is strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting American workers and ensuring that rural communities benefit directly from the energy resources on public lands,” the release said.

Additionally, the release said that the “project delivers on President Trump’s agenda for energy independence and job creation.”

When reached, the Department of the Interior told The Center Square: “We put our official statement in our press releases. We don’t have anything additional to add.”

Acting Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management Adam Suess said in the release: “This is a critical step in unleashing the full economic potential of our coal resources and delivering reliable, affordable energy to American families.”

“President Trump made it clear that we will not tie up American energy in red tape,” Suess said. “Under his leadership, we’re cutting delays, boosting production, and putting miners back to work.”

The release said that the proceeding of coal leasing is in line with Trump’s executive order “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry,” as well as “advances the Trump administration’s priority to increase domestic energy production and restore American energy independence.”

The department’s move is “through the Bureau of Land Management and in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.”

The Bureau of Land Management will “soon open a public comment period on the fair market value and maximum economic recovery of the federal coal contained in the proposed lease area,” according to the release.

The Department of the Interior has made other changes in favor of American energy dominance recently, such as ending preferential treatment for “unreliable” wind and solar power, promoting the production of fossil fuels, and expanding coal mining, as The Center Square previously reported.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey Approves Utility Rate Increases, Joins Regional Land Bank Authority

Casey residents will see increases in water, sewer and electric rates following Monday's City Council meeting, as the city works to address ongoing budget challenges in its utility departments. The...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey Council Considers Hotel Feasibility Study to Attract Development

Casey may commission a $15,000 hotel market feasibility study as the city explores bringing new lodging options to the community. Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee presented the proposal to the...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey City Council Meeting Briefs

Freedom Fest Planning Underway: Casey's Freedom Fest is scheduled for July 4-5 with events in Fairview Park. Friday's schedule includes an antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and Saturday features...
City Council Part 1

City Council Meeting Video Part 1

https://youtu.be/bWEJPtq8Qh0?si=YzFeP3sk_tT3x111
City Council Part 2

City Council Meeting Video Part 2

https://youtu.be/6X23vHI3_D4?si=dXRZcsNn0oGW6wWN
Casey Westfield Warriors.3

Casey-Westfield Dominates Dakota 10-0 Behind Goble’s Complete Game Shutout

Casey-Westfield bounced back from a heartbreaking semifinal loss with a dominant 10-0 third-place victory over Dakota June 7th, ending their exceptional season on a high note behind Ava Goble's complete...

About Casey Local

Community-Focused & Engaging About Casey Local: Keeping Casey Informed, Connected & Collaborative! Hello, Casey! Casey Local is your dedicated local news and information source, built to bring our community closer together...

About Us!

About Casey's Big Things: Your Pocket Guide to Casey! Welcome to Casey, Illinois, the small town with BIG surprises! We created Casey's Big Things to be your ultimate companion as you explore...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey Approves Major Park Recreation Project, Hires Firm to Find New Utilities Chief

The Casey City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive park recreation project costing up to $339,041.78 at Monday's meeting, moving forward with improvements that will enhance the city's recreational facilities. City...
Casey Council Meeting.1

Casey in Action Secures $40,000 Grant for Park Walking Path

Casey in Action received a $40,000 grant from the Lumpkin Foundation to support the second phase of a walking path project in the city park, representatives told the City Council...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

Casey Council Briefs

Economic Development Initiatives: The Economic Development Committee met May 8 to discuss several initiatives including a Tourism Director position, Freedom Fest planning, a Business District Grant program, and participation in...
Casey Westfield Warriors.2

Warriors Advance to Face Red Devils on 14-Game Win Streak

The Casey-Westfield Warriors will face the Sesser-Valier/Waltonville Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Monday, riding a 14-game winning streak into the playoff matchup. Casey-Westfield advanced with a 1-0 shutout victory over...
Casey Council Meeting.2

Casey City Council Awards Sidewalk Contract, Approves Utility Rate Increases

The Casey City Council unanimously approved awarding a $62,502 sidewalk construction contract to Wallace Concrete at Monday's meeting, accepting the low bid from among several proposals reviewed by city staff....
Casey Council Meeting.1

Utilities Chief Announces December Retirement; Police Department Adds Officer

Casey Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs announced at Monday's city council meeting that he will retire on December 31, 2025, ending his tenure overseeing the city's water, sewer, and electric operations....
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey Council Meeting Briefs

July 4th Planning Begins: City Clerk Jeremy Mumford reminded the council that planning for the 4th of July celebration needs to begin soon. Mayor Mike Nichols asked the Downtown Improvement/Festivals...