Congressman Cheney Introduces Legislation to Fight Future Coal Lease Bans

Washington, D.C. - August 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) released the following statement after an Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee hearing that examined H.R. 1778, legislation Cheney sponsored that would require congressional approval of any future moratorium on coal leases on federal lands:

"Obama-era energy policies targeted our fossil fuel industry, killing jobs and devastating communities across the West. In Wyoming, this was not just a war on coal, this was a direct attack on the livelihoods of our people," Rep. Cheney said. "Coal is a national treasure that provides jobs and economic growth in Wyoming and affordable power to homes and businesses all across the country. The people of Wyoming deserve better and American energy consumers and businesses require more certainty. H.R. 1778 will make sure that no future moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands can be imposed without Congressional approval," Cheney concluded.

Travis Deti of the Wyoming Mining Association testified at yesterday's hearing on the impact Congressman Cheney's legislation would have on preventing future coal moratoriums from taking effect in Wyoming without the approval of Congress.

"We believe that Congress should certainly have a say in the matter. For Wyoming, the state most directly and disproportionally affected, this is critical," Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association Travis Deti stated. "This legislation is about shielding America's most abundant, reliable and affordable energy resource from politically motivated administrations."

H.R. 1778 (Rep. Liz Cheney, R-WY) requires congressional approval of any order by the Interior Secretary imposing a moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands. Congress must act within 30 legislative days after the proposed order is received by Congress. The subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, of which Representative Cheney is a member, held a hearing on H.R 1778 today.

Travis Deti is currently the Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association and was present to testify on the impact of this legislation on Wyoming. Mr. Deti grew up in Laramie and holds degrees from the University of Wyoming. Mr. Deti and his wife live in Cheyenne with their two children.