The Wyoming Energy Authority (WEA) released a comprehensive study assessing the Wyoming coal value chain, including supply and demand, offshore exports, and the regulatory barriers and reforms needed to maintain a viable, long-term thermal coal market for Wyoming.

Commissioned by the Wyoming Energy Authority and prepared by Energy Ventures Analysis, Inc., and its subcontractors, the Energy Policy Network and WWC Engineering. The study evaluates current production levels, reserve availability, domestic and international demand outlooks, and the regulatory landscape affecting Wyoming coal. The report also examines offshore export potential and federal leasing and permitting processes that influence future Wyoming production.

Coal remains a cornerstone of Wyoming’s economy and a critical component of national energy security. Wyoming produces roughly forty percent of the nation’s thermal coal demand and continues to supply affordable, reliable fuel to power plants and industrial users across the country. The study provides updated data on production trends in the Powder River Basin and the Green River Basin, as well as long-range demand modeling under multiple policy and market scenarios.

The study highlights the evolving national conversation and the current administration’s support for grid reliability due to increased public power demand, industrial growth through reshoring of manufacturing and data centers, and the role dispatchable energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, play in maintaining power stability and affordability. It also evaluates federal coal leasing trends, mine reserve replacement, and the regulatory framework shaping future production.

In addition to domestic demand, the study reviews global coal markets and export opportunities. It assesses transportation logistics, port capacity, and cost competitiveness in Asian markets, where coal demand continues to influence global supply chains.

The Wyoming Coal Study reflects Wyoming’s continued commitment to responsible resource development, regulatory engagement, and long-term economic resilience. 

The full 2026 Wyoming Coal Study is available at wyoenergy.org/reports.

The Bureau of Land Management Buffalo Field Office is notifying the public of the presence of actively burning coal seam fires in Northern Campbell and Eastern Sheridan Counties.

Although these fires may be visible from the surface and/or from a distance (county roads and highways), they do not always constitute a threat or lead to wildland fires.

Coal seam fires are typically smoldering at or below the surface, with little to no open flame.

They spread very slowly, even on windy days. Continuous reporting of these active coal seam fires can overwhelm 911 Dispatch Centers and Casper Interagency Dispatch Center, which can hamper response to actual emergencies.

If coal seam fires are observed, and are not actively spreading to surface wildland fuels, please do not contact 911 or Casper Interagency Dispatch.

If there is an active wildfire observed, it is appropriate to call it in.

Please be able to provide some basic information such as the location, estimated size, fuel it is burning is (grass/sage vs. Juniper or Timber), and if there’s any valuables at risk to include homes, energy infrastructure, livestock, etc.

If you have any questions pertaining to this, please feel free to contact BLM Wyoming State Office Public Affairs at BLM_WY_912@blm.gov or by phone at (307) 775-6328.

If you know of a coal seam fire on BLM administered lands and have not reported it to the BLM, please email the location information, including any collected GIS data, to BLM_WY_Buffalo_WYMail@blm.gov.

Active burning coal seams can create serious hazards for bystanders and responders:

POTENTIAL HAZARDS:

· Unstable ground – sloughing and potential surface collapse.

· Hot surface areas – ground temperatures may be high enough to burn skin or ignite vegetation.

· Hidden openings or fissures- cracks or vents releasing heat or smoke.

· Toxic or irritating gases – carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases may accumulate in low areas.

· Wildfire risk – surface ignition possible during dry conditions.

What should I do? –STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS:

· Follow all closures and posted warnings.

· Do not approach steaming ground, vents, or smoke.

· Keep children and pets close.

· Report spreading vegetation fires immediately.

Sheridan hosts the 2026 WAHL ‘B’ State February 27th, 28th and March 1st inside the M&M Center.

The Hawks are the #1 seed and get a first round bye in the 9-team tournament.

Friday, February 27th:

#9 Rock Springs vs. #8 Gillette – 9am

#7 Cheyenne vs. #2 Pinedale – 11am

#6 Casper vs. #3 Fremont County – 1pm

#5 Laramie vs. #4 Cody – 3pm

Rock Springs/Gillette winner vs. #1 Sheridan – 5pm

Rock Springs/Gillette loser vs. Cheyenne/Pinedale loser – 7pm LOSER OUT!

Saturday, February 28th:

Laramie/Cody loser vs. Friday 5pm loser – 8am LOSER OUT!

Friday 7pm winner vs. Casper/Fremont County loser – 10am LOSER OUT!

Cheyenne/Pinedale winner vs. Casper/Fremont County winner – Noon Semi-Finals

Laramie/Cody winner vs. Friday 5pm winner – 2pm Semi-Finals

8am winner vs. Noon loser – 6pm LOSER OUT!

10am winner vs. 2pm loser – 8pm LOSER OUT!

Sunday, March 1st:

Saturday 6pm winner vs. Saturday 8pm winner – 8am 3rd Place

Saturday Noon winner vs. Saturday 2pm winner – 10am Championship