The nation's largest coal-producing region, the Powder River Basin, saw its coal leases terminated by President Joe Biden's administration, a move that was praised by environmentalists and denounced by the mining industry. It occurs as the second-biggest economy in the world continues to move away from coal, the fossil fuel with the highest carbon footprint. Since 2017, coal's output has decreased by more than 25% as it battles to compete with renewable energy and natural gas, which is more affordable. In addition, Biden has imposed strict new regulations on coal-fired power facilities, mandating that they either completely close down or use carbon capture technology to virtually completely remove their carbon dioxide emissions by the 2030s. A technical statement from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) clarified that the decision will not impact existing coal leases in the region, covering southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming. Rich Nolan, president and CEO of the National Mining Association, criticised the plan, labelling it "outrageous" and warning of its detrimental effects on American energy security, affordability, and mining states and communities. However, green groups celebrated the move. Drew Caputo from Earthjustice described it as "a monumental decision" that will save lives, protect the environment, and significantly reduce carbon emissions in the United States. Caputo emphasised that conservation groups have long argued against leasing public lands to coal companies without considering the impacts on public health through litigation efforts. In November, Democratic incumbent Joe Biden will face off against Republican contender Donald Trump in a tight reelection, and progressive and millennial voters are expected to be particularly motivated by climate action. A win for Trump, who denies climate change, would virtually guarantee a complete reversal of green regulations, from lifting the ban on new imports of liquefied natural gas licenses to lifting the ban on drilling in Alaska's Arctic.