Long term standing coal miner in the Powder River Basin …Gillette, Wyoming. We have seen a long time struggle with operations within our industry when it comes to federal and state regulations. We hold a high standard to this industry when we mine for our natural resource coal. We mine the leases we have acquired and hold a high standard to reclaiming the land after we have mined. Powder River Basin mines have been around for 50+ or minus years and have been a staple to the thriving communities around Wyoming. I am asking for members of congress to come to Gillette, Wyoming and take a closer look at the coal mining operations. Meet with coal miners, set up tours, (RFK, President Trump, Elon Musk etc…) to meet with our coal mines and see the day to day operations. We are running into an industry thats going away simply because I feel not many people understand our industry. When it comes to reclamation we lay back land better for thriving wildlife populations (in fact visiting these mines like Black Thunder you will see a huge VAST amount of wildlife, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Coyote, Bobcat, Rabbits etc…) as we have many aspects of mining that keep these animals flocking to our areas that we mine everyday. We also work right along all these beautiful wonderful animals while we mine these areas and populations thrive. There has been so many negative things said and derived around mining operations which simply are not true. Because of this my mine in particular have run out on coal leases and land leases. We need new permits, new land leases to continue our mining operations. In conclusion I would just like to see this proposal looked at, would love to see support from American people and our newly elected government officials to help keep this industry going. Technology is always on the rise the need for eletricity will always be there. I hope this reaches who it needs to and thank you for your consideration at keeping this industry going not just for here in Powder River Basin but across the United States of America. Much more can be said and talked about and I am hoping those who are and have been in this industry will reply with the concerns, experiences, and information they know and have especially when it comes to all areas in mining. We appreciate you all giving us this platform so that we can speak up about things that need talking about and look forward to seeing everything you all accomplish these next 4 years and years to come. God Bless you all!
Dawn Entel
Heavy Equipment Operator
Coal Miner in Wyoming