Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) led members and committee staff on site visits to view essential mining infrastructure in Wyoming this week.

"As Chair of the Subcommittee of Energy and Mineral Resources, it was imperative Rep. Stauber visit Gillette and have a first-hand look at the Powder River Basin. Retaining access to the extensive coal deposits within the PBR is critical to the future of our nation’s energy needs," said Hageman. "The Buffalo Resource Management Plan issued by Biden’s radical BLM will devastate reliable and affordable energy and deepen America’s energy poverty crisis. Were it implemented as issued, it will also lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue throughout our state and the entire nation."

Hageman added, "Preventing the mining of domestic resources will only enrich and empower despots and dictators in places such as Iran and Venezuela, who have no concerns about the environmental impacts or use of child labor. Over 40% of America’s coal comes from the Powder River Basin. It is important we do all we can to ensure we retain access to this resource and to educate others about the clean, affordable coal that we produce and its importance to powering our nation for generations to come."

Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources Chairman Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) expressed similar concerns: "Much like my state of Minnesota, President Biden has actively worked to shut down the development of Wyoming’s vast abundance of natural resources in an attempt to cater to the extremists within his own party. I am particularly disturbed by his efforts to undermine the newly codified Russian uranium import ban and his decision to ban future coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, which is one of the most energy-rich areas in the country."

Stauber continued, "Not only do these actions destroy livelihoods, but they further cement our dependence on foreign adversaries and limit access to affordable energy. As the Biden Administration continues to wage war on American energy producers and miners, I am proud to stand by colleagues like Representative Hageman in fighting back against these attacks. Together, we will work to prevent Biden’s harmful agenda from going into effect."

Hageman first led members on tours of Strata Uranium Mine, Belle Ayr coal mine, and Black Hills Energy's Neil Simpson complex near Gillette, Wyo. Members also participated in a roundtable lunch discussion with representatives from various mining organizations including Eagle Specialty Minerals, National Mining Association, Navajo Transitional Energy Company, Wyoming Mining Association among others.

This field tour provided an opportunity for members to learn more about domestic mining capabilities and future American mineral development. As global coal demand continues at record levels while U.S. aims to decouple its nuclear fuel supply chain from Russia, Wyoming’s abundant energy resources remain essential for U.S. energy independence and national security.