Trump Administration Opens 13.1 Million Acres for Coal Mining

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior announced on September 29, 2025, that it will open 13.1 million acres of federal land for coal leasing. This decision follows President Donald J. Trump’s directive to restore American energy dominance and is intended to bolster coal production amid rising electricity demands.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced the initiative during an event focused on advancing coal. He stated, “By reducing the royalty rate for coal and increasing leasing opportunities, we are strengthening our economy and creating jobs.” The royalty rate has been decreased from 12.5% to 7%, a move facilitated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Complementary initiatives were also announced by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and Department of Energy Undersecretary P. Wells Griffith. Coal production in the U.S. has increased by over 6% this year compared to last year, according to industry reports.

These actions aim to provide regulatory certainty for coal producers and maintain reliable energy sources, particularly as the demand for electricity surges due to advancements in artificial intelligence. Burgum emphasized the importance of coal in maintaining grid reliability, stating, “We have to have a strong, powerful coal industry—it’s got to be here for decades.”

However, the announcement received backlash from environmental groups, who argue that prolonging the coal industry’s existence is detrimental to public health and climate progress. Jill Tauber from Earthjustice stated, “Expanding mining and spending taxpayer money on burning coal will only exacerbate pollution and rising electricity bills.”

The Bureau of Land Management is tasked with managing the new leasing opportunities, which will affect several states including Montana and Wyoming. The administration sees this as a critical step in ensuring America’s energy independence and competitiveness.

The impact of these new policies on the coal industry remains uncertain, as many coal-fired plants face scheduled closures in the coming months. The Department of Energy is channeling $625 million towards keeping these plants operational, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the coal sector.

As states look to restore the coal fleet, the administration has positioned itself as a defender of traditional energy sources, aiming to balance economic growth with energy needs.