The Bureau of Land Management is inviting public input on a proposed coal exploration project in Utah’s Muddy Creek Canyon area as part of a larger federal effort to re-invigorate the coal industry and advance American energy independence.
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, has proposed drilling 10 exploration holes on 9,276 acres of public land in Sanpete County. The project would use low-impact drilling methods to assess potential coal resources.
“This project marks another important step in restoring commonsense access to America’s energy resources,” said BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy. “Since April, we’ve taken a series of actions to revitalize the U.S. coal industry—supporting jobs, local economies, and energy security. Today’s announcement is part of that broader commitment.”
This is the BLM’s first coal exploration notice nationwide since 2019. The proposed project follows recent BLM actions under the Trump administration that support the coal industry, including:
- BLM begins considering new coal leasing in Montana and Wyoming’s Powder River Basin
- Public input sought for emergency lease at Falkirk Mine, North Dakota
- Input requested on metallurgical coal leasing in Alabama
- BLM ends environmental impact statement tied to 2016 coal leasing moratorium
- Department of the Interior announces push to restore the coal industry
- Emergency coal lease proposal at Freedom Mine, North Dakota
These actions align with recent executive orders issued by President Trump focused on strengthening U.S. energy production, reducing reliance on foreign fuels, and reinvigorating the coal industry.
If the Utah plan is approved, Canyon Fuel Company will begin environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act after gathering and reviewing public feedback. The full exploration plan is available for public review at the BLM Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding federal holidays).
The 30-day public comment period will begin with the official notice published in the Federal Register on July 11, 2025, and will close on Aug. 11, 2025. Comments must be sent to both:
Christina Price, Deputy State Director
BLM Utah State Office
440 West 200 South, Suite 500
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Eric Beard, Geologist
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, c/o Sufco Mine
397 South 880 West
Salina, UT 84564