![Coal Suspension Affects 30-Plus Mining Projects](http://townsquare.media/site/437/files/2012/05/Coal-Trains.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Coal Suspension Affects 30-Plus Mining Projects
Federal officials say at least 30 applications from companies seeking to mine hundreds of millions of tons of coal face suspension as the government reviews sales of the fuel from public lands.
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced Friday that the coal leasing program would be put on hold for about three years while the agency reviews fees paid by mining companies and the environmental effect of burning coal.
The Associated Press obtained a Bureau of Land Management list of affected sites, which includes mining proposals in nine states.
Some of the largest projects are in the nation's top coal-producing region, spanning Wyoming and Montana.
Cloud Peak Energy, whose mine expansion in Wyoming is affected, accused federal officials of pandering to environmentalists who are trying to shut down the industry.
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