Daines-Led Bill Unlocking Eastern Montana Mining Signed Into Law

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines announced hat President Donald J. Trump has signed into law legislation he led to roll back a Biden-era land management rule that restricted coal mining in Eastern Montana, a move supporters say will restore jobs, protect state revenue, and unleash Made-in-Montana energy.

Daines was joined in advancing the measure by U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy and U.S. Reps. Troy Downing, R-Mont., and Ryan Zinke, R-Mont. The legislation repeals the Biden administration’s Miles City Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA), which limited coal leasing across large portions of Eastern Montana.

“Today marks a massive win for both Montana and the nation,” Daines said in a statement. “Biden’s disastrous Miles City RMPA was an anti-coal rule that would’ve blocked future coal leasing on two million acres of land, stifled job growth, and caused the loss of over $4.3 billion in future revenue to our state. But now, thanks to the hard work of our Montana delegation, Biden’s rule is repealed and Montana energy is back.”

According to Daines’ office, the Miles City RMPA made nearly two million acres within the Miles City Field Office planning area unavailable for coal leasing and prohibited new leasing in the Powder River Basin. State officials estimated the rule would have resulted in more than $4.32 billion in lost future revenue for state trust land beneficiaries, including K-12 public education.

Sheehy said the bill delivers on commitments to revive Montana’s resource economy.

“Thanks to President Trump for signing this bill into law and putting an end to radical Biden-era regulations that put our resource economy on life support,” Sheehy said. “Together, we are delivering the America First, commonsense policies Montanans voted for to achieve American energy dominance, create jobs, and make energy affordable, accessible, and reliable again.”

Downing, who sponsored the House companion legislation, said the law provides long-term certainty for American energy production.

“With the signing of my bill to permanently roll back burdensome restrictions on coal leasing for the nation’s largest deposit, we aren’t just meeting the demands of today — we’re ensuring that we can power our country’s future,” Downing said. “We are also making sure that subsequent administrations cannot undo the good work of the current one.”

Zinke said repealing the rule will help lower energy costs and protect Montana jobs.

“This legislation will lower energy costs by unlocking Montana’s vast natural resources and brings security to the jobs of the hardworking men and women who mine in Montana,” Zinke said.

Daines introduced the Congressional Review Act resolution in July 2025 alongside Sheehy, Downing, and Zinke. The resolution later passed both chambers of Congress before being signed by President Trump. The bill received broad support from Montana leaders, including Gov. Greg Gianforte, who backed the repeal in a letter to congressional leaders.

Supporters say the law restores access to Eastern Montana’s coal resources, strengthens domestic energy production, and protects critical revenue streams for Montana’s schools and public institutions.

By Politics406 Staff