Committee Passes Barrasso Bill to Unleash Wyoming Coal Production

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed U.S. Senator John Barrasso's (R-Wyo.) bill to reduce barriers to coal leasing and unleash American coal production. The legislation extends the bonus payment period for coal mine leases from five to ten years, allowing coal companies to defer payment on a portion of their investment until after new mines become profitable.

"Nearly half of all coal produced in America comes from Wyoming. Wyoming coal provides our nation with safe, reliable, and affordable energy," said Senator Barrasso. "My legislation would extend the bonus payment period for coal mine leases, which allows coal companies to spread out their financial risk when investing in new mines. This will give coal mines in Wyoming and across the country the certainty they need to power homes and businesses and lower energy prices for American families. Today's committee vote is an important step to getting this energy security bill across the finish line."

The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah). In March 2026, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:

Currently, coal companies pay bonuses to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as part of the competitive bidding process for coal mine leases. These bonuses are required to be paid over a five-year period, which often concludes before new mines begin generating revenue. In line with President Trump's executive order to revitalize the American coal industry, the legislation extends the bonus payment period to ten years, reducing the upfront risk for coal companies looking to build new mines.

The legislation is endorsed by the Wyoming Mining Association, the Wyoming Energy Authority, and the National Mining Association.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

###