BLM, OSMRE seek input on emergency coal lease and mining plan at Falkirk Mine
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DICKINSON, N.D. — The Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement are seeking public comments on a proposed emergency federal coal lease and mining plan at the Falkirk Mine near Underwood in McLean County. The proposal is part of the federal government’s commitment to advancing energy independence and economic growth through responsible coal development, consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order 14241, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry.”
Falkirk Mining Company applied to lease multiple federal tracts totaling approximately 800 acres and an estimated 11.3 million tons of mineable coal. The BLM and OSMRE prepared a joint draft environmental assessment to streamline environmental reviews and leasing processes, cutting red tape and accelerating access to affordable coal energy.
If approved, the project could extract approximately 11.3 million tons of coal across federal and private tracts during a 15-year period, supporting the nation’s baseload energy needs while preserving jobs in the lignite coal sector.
“This proposed mining supports President Trump’s call to strengthen America’s energy infrastructure by ensuring access to abundant, reliable, and affordable domestic resources,” said Acting BLM Director Jon Raby. “It reflects our commitment to energy independence and job creation while upholding our responsibility for environmental stewardship.”
“Coal is an affordable, reliable energy source and essential to our national and economic security,” said OSMRE Regional Director Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director Thomas Shope. “BLM and OSMRE are working in cooperation to streamline leasing and mining plan decisions to ensure coal is available to meet the increasing demand for coal-fired electricity generation.”
A notice of availability will publish in Monday’s Federal Register to open a 14-day public comment period. Additional information and planning documents are available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments can be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Written comments may also be delivered to Tessa Wallace, Bureau of Land Management, Solid Minerals, 5001 Southgate Dr., Billings, MT 59101. The comment period will close July 7, 2025.
BLM and OSMRE will also host a public meeting July 7 from 3–6 p.m. CDT, at Underwood City Hall, 88 Lincoln Ave, Underwood, ND 58576.
For more information, please contact BLM Branch Chief Tessa Wallace at [email protected] or (406) 896-5086.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.