Senate passes resolution to overturn rule against coal leasing

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KUMV) - Congress passed a bill that would overturn a Biden-era Bureau of Land Management rule and open up more coal development in North Dakota and Montana.

Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer claimed the rule, which went into effect during former President Joe Biden’s last days in office, blocked coal leasing on millions of federal acres. They say overturning the rule benefits domestic energy production.

“We need a new resource management plan that recognizes modern technologies and recognizes that America’s energy dominance is a national security issue. North Dakota is a main contributor to that goal,” said Cramer.

Montana Senator Steve Daines also helped lead efforts to overturn the rule. He said Congress needed to remove the provision that prohibited leasing in eastern Montana.

“We’re going to give Montana a voice in the process. Overturning this partisan rule will grow Montana energy, jobs, and help our rural communities,” said Daines.

The legislation needs the president’s signature to go into effect.