WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) – The U.S. Department of the Interior last week approved a modification to the mining plan for the Bull Mountains coal mine in Montana, a move that will allow Signal Peak Energy, LLC to extract approximately 22.8 million tons of federal coal and 34.5 million tons of adjacent non-federal coal.
The decision is expected to extend the life of the mine by up to nine years.
The approval advances directives issued under President Donald J. Trump’s national energy emergency declaration, aimed at increasing domestic energy production and strengthening energy exports to U.S. allies.
“This is what energy leadership looks like,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
“By unlocking access to coal in America, we are not only fueling jobs here at home, but we are also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies abroad. President Trump’s leadership in declaring a national energy emergency is allowing us to act decisively, cut bureaucratic delays and secure America’s future through energy independence and strategic exports.”
Located in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, the Bull Mountains Mine currently employs over 250 workers.
The project is projected to generate more than $1 billion in combined economic benefits at the local, state, and county levels through wages, taxes, and business activity. The mine also supplies coal to U.S. defense allies, including Japan and South Korea.
The Department conducted an environmental impact statement (EIS) and issued a record of decision in accordance with alternative arrangements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
These alternative arrangements were implemented under President Trump’s January 20, 2025 declaration of a national energy emergency.
According to the Department, the EIS includes more detailed analysis than typically required under NEPA, referencing a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado.
“This decision reflects our commitment to balancing economic prosperity, national security, and environmental responsibility,” said Adam Suess, Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management.
“The Bull Mountains project is proof that we can meet urgent energy needs, work with local communities and uphold strong environmental standards.”
The approval comes after a public participation process led by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. This included a public meeting, two public comment periods, and review of 667 submitted comments.
More information, including the final Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, and Mining Plan Approval, is available at OSMRE.gov.
