Republicans vote to roll back Biden-era restrictions on mining and drilling in 3 Western states
October 9, 2025
Senate Republicans have voted to roll back restrictions on mining and drilling in federal land in three Western states. The moves advance President Donald Trump’s ambitions to expand energy production from public lands. Senators voted this week to repeal land management plans adopted during the Biden administration for areas in Alaska, Montana and North Dakota. The House approved the repeals last month. Trump is expected to sign the measures, which will boost a proposed road through an Alaska wilderness to allow copper mining and support coal leases in Montana’s Powder River Basin. Critics say the GOP agenda will drive up energy prices and harm the environment.