Wyoming is small in population, only accounting for 0.17 percent of the overall United States. It is at the center of a rich narrative about the current state of the coal industry. This sprawling northern state is home to the world’s largest reserve of trona. This important salt crystal helps in the production of glass, plastic and paper. His rises promise to alter the political world, most dramatically with Donald Trump’s election. Industry advocates and stakeholders are eagerly watching to see how the promise and peril of these major changes unfold.
The Powder River Basin stretches from southeast Montana to northeast Wyoming. It’s because it plays an outsized role in coal production, pumping out close to 40 percent of the nation’s total. Wyoming is home to the largest coal resource in the country, pictured above one of their biggest trona pits. This quarry drops to an incredible depth of 1,600 feet, deep enough to hold three full-sized Great Pyramids of Giza, one on top of the other! Unlike Appalachian mines that need a lot of tunneling, Wyoming’s surface mines need little to no digging, enabling quicker and cheaper coal extraction.
Political Dynamics and Industry Outlook
Wyoming residents have consistently voted for Donald Trump. In turn, they voted for him by the largest margin of any state in three straight elections. This lobbying support dovetails with the belief that despite all other implications, Trump’s policies can strengthen coal’s hand against natural gas, at least in the short term. Robert Godby, a professor of economics at the University of Wyoming, is an expert on energy transitions. He argues that these policies may intentionally or unintentionally provide a competitive advantage to coal in the near-term.
The Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with plans to re-open the coal-rich Powder River Basin to new leases. Industry leaders are cautiously optimistic about this new development. Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association, expresses a cautious optimism about the mood created by Trump’s executive orders. He thinks they can restore some sense of stability to the battered coal industry. Yet on the other side, some stakeholders are concerned about an impending regulatory overreach.
“I know that a lot of our folks have a little heartburn over it, that it might go a little too far.” – Travis Deti
Yet Deti is cognizant of the benefits his state currently enjoys, politically speaking. He cautions that long-term anxiety over greenhouse gas regulations could discourage new coal-fired power plant construction. He argues that the lack of new plant construction demonstrates major regulatory uncertainties. It shines a much-needed spotlight on the competitive challenges the coal industry is facing.
Industry Challenges and Health Concerns
There’s an optimism that surrounds the effort to literally resuscitate Wyoming’s coal industry. Alarming public health and roadway safety issues still hanging in the balance plague the sector. Marshal Cummings, a representative from the United Mine Workers of America, emphasizes the risks associated with silica dust exposure among miners. He walks us through the harmful effect silica has on the lungs.
“We know that it causes people to get their lungs cut up by jagged edges of a silica particle, and then they slowly die.” – Marshal Cummings
For Cummings, regulatory pauses are a temporary bottom line windfall for companies. In turn, these firms might shortchange basic health protections for workers. He asserts that ensuring miners’ safety should be paramount, urging stakeholders not to lose sight of these critical issues amid political and economic changes.
“The pause is not just the pause. It’s giving people who care more about a favorable quarterly report than they do their employees an opportunity to get this rule completely thrown out. And that’s unacceptable.” – Marshal Cummings
Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the union’s longstanding commitment to protecting miners’ health and safety. Yet the continued discussion around workplace safety is symptomatic of a major industry reckoning in the face of uncertain political winds.
Economic Diversification and Future Prospects
Many support economic diversification that moves away from the state’s reliance on fossil fuels. Rusty Bell, CEO of Energy Capital Economic Development, understands the urgency of pursuing new economic diversions. He believes that today’s political moment provides an opportunity for coal to get some fresh air. This reprieve gives him space to pursue different economic opportunities.
“Even if it’s only four years, it gives us a little bit more time to work on diversifying our economy.” – Rusty Bell
Bell’s perspective reflects a growing recognition among stakeholders that relying solely on coal may not be sustainable in the long run. As industry leaders ponder the implications of reopening coal leases and reassessing regulatory frameworks, they remain vigilant about the need for innovation and adaptability.
