Tribal, environmental groups seek to defend coal ban in Powder River Basin

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, and other conservation groups have filed to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s decision to end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. Wyoming and Montana filed the suit to revive the coal industry. The groups argue the ban protects public lands, water, and communities from mining impacts, while supporting a shift toward renewable energy. The region supplies over 40% of U.S. coal production.