Southern West Virginia News

Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV), alongside Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA), has introduced the Combating Obstruction Against Leasing (COAL) Act. This legislative proposal aims to streamline the approval process for coal lease applications managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

The bill comes in response to what its sponsors describe as efforts by the Biden administration to hinder the coal industry, affecting jobs and energy production. The COAL Act seeks to ensure that federal obligations under the Mineral Leasing Act are upheld.

“Coal is a powerful energy resource that keeps West Virginia and our country running, but the Biden administration has made it nearly impossible to obtain a permit to have a lease or mine," stated Congresswoman Miller. She emphasized that for the United States to achieve energy dominance, there must be an increase in permits and opportunities for extraction and mining.

Congresswoman Hageman also criticized current policies, stating, “The Biden Administration ideological assault on coal is crippling Wyoming’s energy potential and setting our nation on a path to energy poverty." She expressed enthusiasm about working with future administrations to maximize America's energy potential.

The COAL Act requires action from the Department of Interior on pending coal lease applications, aiming for more efficient approvals necessary for mining activities.