Utah Coal Mines Get Eco-Overhaul with USDA Twist
Published Date: 7/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is getting ready to study how mining on two coal lease areas in Utah might affect the environment. This update says the USDA will now lead the big review, working with the Bureau of Land Management, to decide if mining can move forward. People living near Emery and Sanpete counties should watch for updates, as this could impact local land and jobs in the coming months.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
EIS for proposed Utah coal leases
On April 15, 2024, the USDA and BLM announced they will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in response to a Lease by Application for the Little Eccles Federal Coal Lease Tract (UTU-92226) of 120 acres and a Lease Modification Application to add 640 acres to the Flat Canyon Lease Tract (UTU-77114). The USDA Acting Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment intends to prepare the EIS in coordination with the BLM and will issue the USDA project decision. People living near Emery and Sanpete counties in Utah should watch for updates because the EIS could affect local land use and jobs in the coming months.
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