Downing Bill to Reverse Biden-Era Miles City RMPA Passes House
H.J. Res. 104 unlocks leasing in the Powder River Basin, supported by entire Montana Congressional Delegation
Congressman Troy Downing’s (MT-02) bill, H.J. Res. 104, passed the House of Representatives. H.J. Res. 104 provides for congressional disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) of the Bureau of Land Management’s Miles City Field Office Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA).
The bill is supported by the entire Montana Congressional Delegation. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) is the sponsor of companion legislation in the United States Senate. Both Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01) and Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT) are original cosponsors. This is Congressman Downing’s second bill of the 119th Congress to pass the House.
“The Biden Administration’s outright ban on coal leasing in the Powder River Basin is an intolerable threat to domestic energy production, U.S. national security, and the prosperity of the communities I represent,” said Congressman Downing. “I’m proud to be leading the charge in the House to reverse the Miles City Field Office RMPA to improve access to the affordable, reliable energy that brings the American dream that much closer to hand for countless families in Montana and across the country. I appreciate the support and advocacy of my colleagues from the Treasure State in this fight, and I look forward to seeing this resolution pass the Senate and signed into law by President Trump.”
“Joe Biden’s Miles City RMPA halts all future coal leasing in the region and will cause hardworking Montanans to lose their jobs,” said Senator Daines. “It will also stifle our state’s growing economy and increase our dependence on foreign nations for coal and energy production. It’s critical that we remove this outdated and harmful plan. I’m thankful for the leadership of Congressman Downing in helping get this crucial legislation passed in the House and I look forward to getting it across the finish line in the Senate.”
"The Biden administration’s reckless Miles City Resource Management Plan would have done irreparable harm to Montana’s economy and weakened our energy security if allowed to remain in place," said Congressman Zinke. "True American energy dominance requires an all-of-the-above approach, including Montana’s clean coal. Clean coal provides reliable, abundant, and affordable power, and this legislation will allow Montana to continue to mine and utilize it. I look forward to this bill being signed into law to protect Montana’s critical energy infrastructure and our state’s economic future."
“It’s past time to put an end to the radical environmentalist mandates that put our resource economy on life support,” said Senator Sheehy. “I’m glad to see this resolution pass the House as we fight to restore American energy dominance, lower prices, and protect Montana jobs.”
“Today’s bill is a major win for American energy and mineral dominance,” said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). “Thanks to the legislation from Congressman Downing, we’re overturning Biden’s disastrous energy policies and keeping energy prices affordable. This legislation also protects approximately $46 million in annual state revenue for education funding in Montana and will help restore our domestic energy security. I’d like to thank Congressman Downing for his work on this important bill.”
Click here to watch Congressman Downing’s remarks in support of H. J. Res. 104 on the House floor.
Click here or on the image above to watch a message from Congressman Downing and Senator Daines in support of H.J. Res. 104.
Background:
Overturns restrictions that prohibit future coal leasing throughout the entire Powder River Basin in Montana. This constitutes roughly 30% of the entire nation’s coal reserves.
Unlocks more than 2.75 million acres of land and 11.7 million acres of mineral estate in Montana.
Keeps energy prices affordable and reliable by ensuring access to 37.8 billion short tons of coal, enough supply to meet U.S. coal demand for the next 73 years.
Protects approximately $46 million in annual state revenue, which is used to fund public K-12 education in Montana.
Generates $15 million in new federal energy revenue for the Treasury.
Provides operational certainty for mining operations in Southeastern Montana.
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