### U.S. Approves Major Coal Mining Expansion to Bolster Indo-Pacific Energy Security

WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior today gave the green light for a crucial modification to the mining plan for the Bull Mountains coal mine in Montana. This move is a pivotal step in advancing President Donald J. Trump's energy directives and aims to fortify U.S. energy ties in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically with Japan and South Korea.

The approved modification permits Signal Peak Energy, LLC to extract an additional 22.8 million tons of federal coal and 34.5 million tons of adjacent non-federal coal. This extension is set to sustain the operational life of the Bull Mountains Mine for up to nine more years.

"This is what energy leadership looks like," stated Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts domestic job creation but also demonstrates the U.S.'s solidarity with its international allies. President Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency has enabled swift and decisive actions, cutting through bureaucratic delays to secure America's energy future through increased independence and strategic exports.

Situated in Musselshell and Yellowstone Counties, the Bull Mountains coal mine employs over 250 workers and plays a significant role in supplying energy exports to Japan and South Korea, key defense partners of the U.S. The mine's expansion is projected to inject over $1 billion into the local, state, and county economies through wages, taxes, and related business activities.

The Department finalized its environmental impact statement and issued a record of decision under new alternative compliance arrangements for the National Environmental Policy Act. These arrangements stem from the national energy emergency declared by President Trump on January 20, 2025. The Environmental Impact Statement was notably comprehensive, exceeding standard NEPA requirements, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado.

Acting Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Adam Suess, remarked, "This decision reflects our commitment to balancing economic prosperity, national security, and environmental responsibility." He added that the Bull Mountains project exemplifies how urgent energy demands can be met while working collaboratively with local communities and maintaining high environmental standards.

The project approval comes after a thorough public participation process, managed by the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. This process included a public meeting, two periods for public comments, and an analysis of 667 individual comments received.

Further information, including the final Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, and Mining Plan Approval, is available on OSMRE.gov.