Judge Revives Obama-era Ban on Coal Sales From Federal Lands

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A federal judge has reinstated a moratorium on coal leasing from federal lands that was imposed under former President Barack Obama and then scuttled under former President Donald Trump.

Friday’s ruling from U.S. District Judge Brian Morris requires government officials to complete a new environmental review of the leasing program before they can resume coal sales.

Few leases were sold in recent years as coal demand shrank drastically, but coal from existing leases remains a major contributor of planet-warming emissions.

The industry’s opponents had urged Morris to revive the Obama-era moratorium to ensure coal can’t make a comeback as wildfires, drought, rising sea levels and other effects of climate change worsen.

Artist Chris Navarro Headlines Rocky Mountain Art Show Benefitting Wyoming Cares

The conference room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Casper was packed to the brim on Saturday, July 16 as the Rocky Mountain Art Show brought together artist Chris Navarro and art enthusiasts from all over the state for a night of food, drinks, fellowship and, of course, art.

Gallery Credit: Nick Perkins, Townsquare Media