In a significant victory for Wyoming’s energy sector, both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed landmark legislation aimed at repealing the Biden-era Buffalo Field Office Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA). The resolution, known as H.J. Res. 130, will reverse policies that effectively barred future coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, a critical area for coal production in the United States.

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the joint resolution, which garnered bipartisan support, along with Senators Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso, both from Wyoming. In a statement following the House vote, Hageman declared in a press release, “The House’s passage of H.J. Res. 130 is a major win for Wyoming and for America’s energy security. The Biden administration’s Buffalo RMPA ended future coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, threatening thousands of jobs and jeopardizing affordable, reliable energy for millions of Americans.”

The Buffalo RMPA, implemented in November 2024, aimed to restrict coal production by designating significant areas of federal land as off-limits for new coal leases, effectively putting around 48 billion tons of coal out of reach—enough to supply U.S. demand for over a century. Hageman, alongside her colleagues, moved swiftly to challenge this directive, invoking the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to overturn regulations it deems harmful.

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In another press release, Senator Lummis voiced her support, emphasizing the need to prioritize Wyoming’s energy workers. “The passage of this legislation is great news for Wyoming and our workers in the Powder River Basin,” she stated. “We won’t allow far-left Biden administration bureaucrats to unilaterally destroy entire industries and communities.” Senator Barrasso echoed this sentiment, asserting that “ with the Trump administration, we’re unleashing Wyoming energy and getting America back on track.”

The implications of reversing the Buffalo RMPA are far-reaching, according to House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. In the press release from Senator Hageman, Chairman Westerman stated, “This resolution will reinvigorate America’s coal industry by unlocking resource-rich lands in the Powder River Basin, protecting jobs, and generating much-needed revenues in rural Wyoming communities.”

Also from Senator Hageman’s press release, the Wyoming delegation’s efforts were praised by industry leaders as well. Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, remarked, “This bill helps ensure Wyoming can develop its own resources without unnecessary federal interference. Congresswoman Hageman has been a critical voice for Wyoming coal, and we appreciate her decisive leadership in standing up for our state and securing a strong energy future.”

Following the successful passage in both chambers, the bill will now move to President Trump’s desk for signature, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over energy policy and environmental regulation.

Hageman called into the Weekday Wake-up last week on November 20, and noted the urgency of the issue, highlighting the legislation as “a huge, huge, huge development for the state of Wyoming and actually for energy production and energy independence for the entire nation as a whole.” She described her daily routine, filled with meetings with local stakeholders, including county commissioners and energy companies, underscoring her commitment to representing Wyoming’s interests in Congress.

As the coal industry faces mounting challenges, the resolution’s passage signifies a concerted effort by Wyoming lawmakers to secure a future for coal that is economically viable and vital for national energy needs.

In summary, the passage of H.J. Res. 130 not only rolls back restrictions on coal development but also reinforces the commitment of Wyoming’s congressional delegation to protect the livelihoods of those dependent on the state’s rich coal resources.