Story perspectives

Federal Lawsuit Challenges Trump's Bull Mountains Coal Expansion

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

A federal lawsuit in Billings challenges U.S. President Donald Trump’s emergency orders approving the Bull Mountains coal mine expansion in Montana.
The plaintiffs argue the emergency conditions do not meet federal definitions and that nearly all coal is exported to Asia.
They seek to halt expansion until National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and cite regulatory violations by Signal Peak Energy, plus impacts on ranching and water resources.

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Story summary

A federal lawsuit in Billings challenges U.S. President Donald Trump’s emergency orders approving the Bull Mountains coal mine expansion in Montana.
The plaintiffs argue the emergency conditions do not meet federal definitions and that nearly all coal is exported to Asia.
They seek to halt expansion until National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance and cite regulatory violations by Signal Peak Energy, plus impacts on ranching and water resources.