Mineral Security

Roundtable Letter to Congress on the Importance of Mining and Minerals in Renewable Energy Development

Western Business Roundtable

In a letter to the members of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global warming, dated September 23, 2009, the Roundtable applauds Congress's focus on energy independence, but also outlines the importance of mining and minerals in the advancement of renewable energy technologies and the green energy economy.

Western Business Roundtable

Two competing bills in the House Natural Resources Committee starkly illustrate a choice facing Congress today, say Western business leaders: promote greater American energy independence by supporting responsible development of the nation's natural resources, or push the U.S. toward increased reliance on foreign energy imports by advancing legislation that seeks to limit domestic access and production. Read More...

Public Lands Access -- Roundtable Supports BLM Push Back on House Committee "Emergency" Land Withdrawls

The Western Business Roundtable

The Roundtable supports a new rule by the Bureau of Land Management, which pushes back on efforts by the House Natural Resources Committee to insert itself into management decisions relative to energy and minerals development activities on federal lands. Read More...

Energy Production -- Coal Sector Issues

The Roundtable is involved in a large number of issues of importance to the coal sector. We are avid advocates for a robust fuel portfolio, including a significant role for Western coal resources.

There are a number of challenges facing the sector, not the least of which are: climate change; attempts to limit access to public lands for purposes of energy exploration and production; energy infrastructure siting and development challenges; the growing number of Western Endangered Species species petitions; efforts to expand regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, etc.) in ways that could negatively impact the sector. Read More...

SMCRA -- DOI Office of Surface Mining Rulemaking Regarding Stream Buffer Requirements For Coal Mining Operations

The U.S. Interior Department's Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) has now finalized its long-awaited rulemaking that will make amendments to its stream buffer zone (SBZ) regulations for surface coal mines. Read More...