08/07/2026
The Wyoming Energy Authority is our state’s Energy Department. They do a great job for our core industries that drive Wyoming.
WEA Deputy Director Kyle Wendtland testified before the Bureau of Land Management in Casper yesterday on the need to modernize the federal coal leasing program.
Kyle emphasized that Wyoming’s federal coal reserves remain essential to reliable, affordable baseload energy for both the state and the nation. His testimony called for a fair, transparent, and timely leasing system that reflects today’s coal markets, supports responsible development, and protects the public interest.
He also highlighted key reforms, including modernizing Fair Market Value calculations, extending bonus bid payment terms, improving BLM staffing, streamlining approvals, updating Logical Mining Unit requirements, expanding lease modification tools, and eliminating unnecessary federal transaction fees.
With Wyoming producing a major share of the nation’s coal, policy stability matters. A modern federal leasing program is critical to energy security, affordability, investment, and the long-term strength of Wyoming’s coal communities.
