On June 6, 2025, the Trump administration took a bold step by approving the expansion of the Bull Mountain coal mine in Montana, allowing it to operate for an additional nine years. This decision, made without completing a thorough federal environmental review, is aimed at reinvigorating America’s coal industry—a key aspect of President Trump's energy strategy.
The Bull Mountain mine has a troubled history, entangled in accusations of bribery, cocaine trafficking, and other serious misconduct. With this new approval, the coal operator, Signal Peak Energy, will be permitted to extract nearly 60 million tons of coal, primarily for export to Asia.
Doug Burgum, the Interior Secretary, praised this move as a demonstration of "energy leadership," stating it would secure America’s energy independence. However, environmental organizations are outraged, claiming this decision disregards environmental regulations and public safety. They argue that expanding the mine contributes to worsening climate change, as coal is recognized as one of the dirtiest fossil fuels.
The approval comes even as a federal judge denied Signal Peak’s request for a quicker review of its expansion plans last year. The Interior Department's prior commitment to finish the environmental review by May 2026 has now been overridden, raising questions about adherence to environmental protections.
Environmental attorney Shiloh Hernandez of Earthjustice condemned the decision, asserting that it poses significant risks to local communities and will further exacerbate environmental crises. The controversy surrounding this coal mine reflects ongoing tensions between energy policy and environmental protection in the U.S.
