coal

Mining New Opportunities: Creating Resilient, Self-Reliant Communities in Coal Country May 8, 2019

Coal has been a source of pride in North Dakota for decades. During its reign, coal brought to the region some great economic benefits, but new technologies and social pressures have pushed the market in a different direction. Thus far, North Dakota has been fairly insulated from coal’s decline because our coal is in the form of lignite. Historically, we had to be innovative to make our lignite coal cost-effective and usable. Our system, known as “mine mouth” plants, has kept coal viable longer even as it has become uneconomical around the country. With the recent closure of Beulah mine, demolition of Stanton Station, and the announcement of the closure of Heskett Station, we find ourselves wondering what is next for Coal Country?

“Doing It Right” Means More Jobs for Colstrip and Around the United States April 22, 2019

Northern Plains’ landmark study “Doing it Right II: Job Creation Through Colstrip Cleanup” shows how many good-paying jobs will continue if high-quality reclamation is done on its coal ash ponds.

coal mines being sold to out of state operators

Non-Resident Coal Mine Owners Are a Danger to Wyoming’s Communities April 5, 2019

One by one, our critical coal mining assets are being acquired by people with disreputable histories in Appalachia. Our miners, communities and lands are in danger of being impoverished by these operators and their schemes.

Unanimous Vote by Wyoming Environmental Quality Council Clears the Way for Strong Self-Bonding Rules March 19, 2019

As coal mines begin filing for bankruptcy, Powder River’s push for new self-bonding rules may save Wyoming taxpayers billions. On Tuesday, February 19, the Wyoming Environmental Quality Council voted unanimously to reform the state’s coal mine reclamation self-bonding program, a … Continued

Wyoming’s “Crimes Against Critical Infrastructure” Bill Threatens Basic Constitutional Rights, and Paves the Way for Corporations to Condemn Landowners Under Eminent Domain February 1, 2019

The energy industry-backed “Zombie Bill” is back, threatening to put corporate interests ahead of the well being and livelihoods of Wyoming residents. Written by Joyce Evans and Liza Millett of Powder River Basin Resource Council. Update February 4, 2019: Thanks to the advocacy … Continued

Interior Takes Aim at Transparency by Gutting Freedom of Information Act January 23, 2019

Department of Interior’s proposed modifications to the Freedom of Information Act will make it much harder for the public to access information.

WORC Files Injunction to Stop Secret Royalty Policy Committee Meetings January 22, 2019

On January 16th, WORCand Democracy Forward Foundation, argued in federal district court that the U.S. Department of Interior must stop convening any meetings or conducting any further business of the Royalty Policy Committee (RPC) until it balances the committee’s industry-dominated membership, opens secretive subcommittee meetings, and discloses committee-members’ conflicts of interests.

Coal Train Derailment Offers Lesson on Danger of Fossil Fuel on Rails January 10, 2019

Between proposed coal export terminals and expanding oil production, more fuel is on the rails than ever–with potentially disastrous consequences.

Current State of Coal Industry and Mineral Tax Collection Creates a Tax Time-bomb January 4, 2019

These four tax collection reforms could save Wyoming counties millions in unpaid taxes.

Coal miners: Westmoreland bosses for naughty list, not bonuses December 12, 2018

Above: The Kemmerer Mine serves as a backdrop to PacifiCorp’s Naughton Plant, which is a major consumer of the mine’s coal, but is set to shut down coal-burning operations at one of its three units by the end of January … Continued

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