Well, well, well, it looks like the Biden administration has decided to take a swing at the coal industry, and let me tell you, it’s not looking pretty for those who depend on it for their livelihood. In a move that has environmentalists cheering and Republicans fuming, the White House has proposed an end to coal leasing on federal reserve lands. Talk about a bold move!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But what about all those hardworking Americans in the coal industry? Won’t somebody think of the miners?” Well, apparently not. The left-leaning government seems to be more concerned with cutting fossil fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse gases than the thousands of jobs that hang in the balance. I mean, who needs a stable income when you can have cleaner air, right?
The Powder River Basin, spanning millions of acres across Montana and Wyoming, is the unlucky target of this proposal. This region, known for its rich coal production, provided nearly half of the country’s coal in 2019. But now, with the Biden administration’s relentless crackdown on coal mining, production, and use, it seems the Powder River Basin might soon be renamed the “Powder Puff Basin.”
But wait, there’s more! The U.S. government has even joined an international pledge at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2023, committing to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants and eventually shut down the ones that are still chugging along. I guess they figured if they’re going to kill the coal industry, they might as well make it a global effort.
Of course, not everyone is thrilled about this proposal. Republicans are up in arms, crying foul over the potential loss of jobs and the impact on communities that rely on the coal industry. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, in a moment of sheer brilliance, called the proposal “short-sighted.” Well, thank you, Captain Obvious! I’m sure the miners who are about to lose their jobs really appreciate your keen insight.
But here’s the kicker: while the U.S. is busy shooting itself in the foot, China is happily chugging along, issuing permits for new coal plants like they’re handing out candy on Halloween. In 2022 alone, they reportedly green-lit as many as two coal plants per week. I guess when it comes to climate change, China’s motto is “do as I say, not as I do.”
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Well, if you’re a coal miner in the Powder River Basin, you might want to start brushing up on your resume. And if you’re an environmentalist, feel free to do a little happy dance, but maybe keep it on the down-low so as not to rub salt in the wounds of those who are about to lose their livelihoods.
As for the Biden administration, well, I suppose they can pat themselves on the back for their noble efforts to save the planet. Just don’t be surprised if those efforts come back to haunt them in the next election cycle. After all, it’s hard to win votes from people who are struggling to put food on the table because their jobs have been sacrificed on the altar of climate change.
