State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Praises President Trump, Sec. Burgum for Rosebud Mine Expansion
Second-largest federal coal mine expansion, protects 300 coal jobs
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today praised President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum for approving the mining plan modification for the Rosebud Mine in Rosebud and Treasure counties. The decision extends the mine’s operation through 2039.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Burgum, we are unleashing the power of American-made energy right here in Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With today’s decision, we are protecting good-paying jobs and securing more affordable and reliable energy. I thank President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their swift actions to expand coal production and support this critical industry.”
The Department of the Interior (DOI) today approved a mining plan modification for the Rosebud Mine. The decision enables the recovery of approximately 33.75 million tons of coal from federal lands and extends the mine’s operation through 2039. It marks the second-largest federal coal mine expansion approved since the beginning of the second Trump administration.
“This administration is focused on unleashing American energy, creating good-paying jobs and restoring economic certainty for our communities,” said DOI Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Adam Suess. “By responsibly developing our domestic coal resources, we’re reducing reliance on foreign energy, strengthening national security and powering America’s future.”
Last year, Gov. Gianforte and Senator Steve Daines, R-Montana, held a roundtable at the Rosebud Mine to call on former President Joe Biden to end his war on American-made energy. Under Biden, the federal government weaponized rulemaking against coal-generated power. Rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under the previous administration were projected to cost Montana consumers $1.1 billion over the next 20 years.
According to DOI, approval from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ensures more than 300 high-paying jobs. Coal from the Rosebud Mine powers the Colstrip and Rosebud power plants, which together can generate more than 1,500 megawatts of electricity – enough to power well over a million homes. This energy helps deliver affordable and reliable power to American families and businesses across the region.
More information about the decision may viewed here.
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