Washington Takes a Step Toward Restoring American Coal Leadership
After years of misguided policies that marginalized one of America’s most dependable energy sources, lawmakers are finally stepping up to restore balance. And Rep. Harriet Hageman is leading the effort.
This week, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources considered legislation to remove unnecessary barriers to coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin (PRB). For more than a decade, burdensome regulations and politically driven restrictions have choked off new leasing in the region, threatening future supply and undermining grid reliability.
The consequences are real. The Wyoming Energy Authority has warned that without action, the U.S. could face energy shortfalls as early as 2030. At a time when demand for electricity is surging, Washington cannot afford to keep sidelining dependable baseload power like coal.
That’s why Rep. Hageman’s legislation is so important.
H.R. 7872 addresses one of the most overlooked barriers to coal development: the expensive, outdated bonus bid payment structure. By spreading payments over 10 years instead of requiring large upfront costs, the bill removes a significant financial obstacle for producers while ensuring long-term stability.
This effort builds on the broader momentum under President Trump’s leadership to reverse the war on American energy. Power The Future applauds Rep. Hageman for recognizing what hardworking Americans already know: coal keeps the lights on and energy affordable.
March 27, 2026