The administration of President Joe Biden announced on Thursday its intention to halt new coal leases in the region of the United States that produces the most coal, drawing the ire of the mining sector and praise from environmentalists.
The announcement is part of the Democrat’s energy policy, which advocates for the United States to move away from coal, a major CO2 emitter.
Coal production on American soil has already declined by over 25% since 2017, due to competition from lower-priced natural gas and renewable energy sources.
The Biden administration also announced that starting in 2032, new strict rules will be imposed on coal-fired power plants, requiring a near-total elimination of CO2 emissions for those planning to remain in operation for an extended period, achieved through carbon capture.
If they fail to comply, they will be forced to shut down.
The measure to halt new leases applies to a region spanning from Montana to Wyoming in the northern United States, where nearly half of American coal is produced. Existing leases are not affected by the measure.
“This is a monumental decision that will save lives, protect our environment, and significantly reduce carbon emissions in the United States,” praised Drew Caputo, president of the organization Earthjustice.
“For years, environmental advocacy groups have argued for this, stating that the federal government cannot simply lease our public lands to mining companies while ignoring the consequences for public health,” he added.
Rich Nolan, president of the National Mining Association, a mining industry lobby, criticized the measure as “outrageous,” stating that it “harms American energy security” and “deals a significant economic blow to mining states and their communities.”
The November presidential election will likely see Joe Biden face off against Republican Donald Trump once again, in what promises to be a tight race. To gain an advantage, the Democrat is relying on his climate action to mobilize young voters against his climate-skeptic opponent.