Mining companies can now dig in old power plant sites without extra environmental review

The Bureau of Land Management removed a rule that required extra environmental reviews for mining projects on land previously set aside for power plants. This means mining companies can now develop these sites without the additional scrutiny that was once required.

For decades, land designated for power plants, even if never built, carried an extra layer of environmental protection against mining. This rule change removes that protection. It makes it easier and cheaper for mining companies to access these lands, potentially opening up new areas for resource extraction that were previously more difficult to develop.