WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wyoming’s congressional leaders have wasted no time defending the state’s energy interests under the new Trump Administration. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, along with Representative Harriet Hageman, have introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at overturning the Buffalo Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA), a Biden-era rule that blocked new coal leasing in the state’s Powder River Basin.
The delegation argues the RMPA threatens Wyoming jobs, undermines energy independence, and represents an overreach by the Biden administration, a policy set in motion before the 2025 change in leadership.
“The Biden-era rule never should have stood,” Senator Barrasso said. “Now, under President Trump, we have a real opportunity to restore Wyoming’s rightful control over its energy future.”
Standing Up for Wyoming Communities and Energy Security
The Powder River Basin has long been a backbone of Wyoming’s economy, supplying a significant share of the nation’s coal, sustaining thousands of jobs, and contributing major state and local revenues.
Senator Lummis stressed that Wyoming’s role in powering America must not be curtailed by last-minute federal rules.
“Our communities are not shutdown zones — they’re the energy producers that keep lights on across the country,” she said.
Representative Hageman echoed the sentiment, calling the resolution part of a broader fight to restore federal balance.
“We’re rejecting Washington’s attempt to strangle Wyoming’s industries,” she said. “This is about fairness, and restoring local control.”
What the CRA Resolution Would Do
If Congress approves the resolution and the President signs it, the measure would:
- Void the Biden-era “no leasing” provision in the Buffalo RMPA
- Reinstate the prior resource management plan favorable to development
- Block the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from issuing substantially similar rules later
Because the RMPA qualifies as a “rule” under the Administrative Procedure Act, it is subject to CRA review. Congress has 60 legislative days to act.
Why This Matters Now
With a Republican president in place, Wyoming’s delegation believes this is the moment to undo policies they view as imposed by the prior administration. The RMPA was finalized during the last days of Biden’s term. A “midnight rule” critics say slipped in restrictions without sufficient public input.
Supporters see this as not just a fight over coal, but a broader battle for energy sovereignty and economic stability in the Cowboy State.
As Barrasso put it:
“Wyoming will not accept last-minute, Washington mandates. We’ll defend our resources, our communities, and our future — starting now.”
What’s Next
- The proposed CRA resolution will head to both the Senate and House. Wyoming’s delegation is already building support among Republican lawmakers who want to roll back Biden-era rules.
- The Wyoming Mining Association, industry leaders, and state officials are expected to rally behind the effort, emphasizing the stakes for jobs and local tax bases.
- The BLM and Interior Department are anticipated to push back, defending the RMPA in hearings.
- If lawmakers pass the resolution and President Trump signs it, Wyoming could see a swift reversal of the coal leasing restrictions.
This move is a bold signal that Wyoming’s leaders intend to reclaim control over the state’s resource management under the Trump Administration and that the coal debate is far from settled.
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
