Montana conservation groups are challenging a state decision to allow expansion of the Bull Mountains Coal Mine, arguing the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) failed to adequately assess the potential environmental and community impacts. The appeal, filed today, centers on the mine’s proposed AM6 expansion and raises concerns about water quality, wildlife, ranching livelihoods and the broader effects of continued coal extraction in the region. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between resource development and environmental protection in Montana, and the groups involved are determined to hold the DEQ accountable for what they describe as a pattern of insufficient oversight.
At the heart of the dispute is the claim that Signal Peak Energy, the mine’s operator, has consistently been granted approvals without rigorous environmental review. Tom Baratta, a local landowner and former chair of the Bull Mountain Land Alliance, stated, “Montana DEQ has done nothing but rubber stamp any request the mine has made even if it violates federal and state regulations.” He added that the DEQ’s assessments rely on “questionable and faulty research,” failing to adequately protect the Bull Mountains and surrounding communities.
The Bull Mountain Land Alliance, Northern Plains Resource Council, and Montana Environmental Information Center, represented by Earthjustice, initially filed suit in September 2024, alleging violations of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Judge Jessica Fehr ruled against the groups in late December, a decision that prompted today’s appeal to a higher court. The groups contend that the DEQ’s analysis overlooked significant impacts to local resources, exacerbating existing harm to springs, wells, and property values. The appeal seeks to compel the DEQ to conduct a more thorough assessment and implement mitigation measures.
The concerns extend beyond water resources. Derf Johnson, deputy director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, emphasized the importance of protecting Montana’s water, stating, “The Bull Mountains and its essential water resources should not be a sacrifice zone for the coal industry.” He underscored that Montana law prioritizes water protection, even if it incurs costs for the coal industry.
A History of Violations and Concerns
The Bull Mountains Mine has a documented history of environmental and safety issues. A 2023 report in The New York Times detailed repeated violations of worker safety and environmental safeguards connected to the mine’s operations. These past issues contribute to the current skepticism surrounding the DEQ’s approval of the AM6 expansion.
Longwall mining, the method used at the Bull Mountains Mine, has proven difficult to reclaim successfully, particularly regarding water resources. Pat Thiele, a member of the Bull Mountain Land Alliance and a Roundup resident, explained, “After decades of failed attempts in the U.S. And elsewhere, longwall mining operations have proven unable to demonstrate successful reclamation of lost or damaged water sources.” He fears the expansion will further degrade the area, turning productive cattle range into a desert.
Water Depletion and Ranching Impacts
A key concern is the mine’s impact on the Bull Mountains’ limited water supply. Ranchers and wildlife in the area rely heavily on the small percentage of land – approximately 0.1% – that contains springs, wells, and ponds. Recent research, detailed in a report, indicates the mine cannot replace even 1% of the water it drains from the Bull Mountains, despite the DEQ’s requirement to develop a water replacement plan. This depletion has already led to wells drying up and springs diminishing, impacting both ranchers and wildlife.
Beyond water depletion, the groups allege Signal Peak has actively worked to displace ranchers, canceling leases and allegedly harassing landowners to discourage ranching in the area. This, they argue, is a deliberate attempt to avoid reclamation obligations. The situation has forced some ranchers to abandon their livelihoods, further disrupting the local community.
Broader Legal Challenges and Concerns
The current appeal over the AM6 expansion isn’t the only legal challenge facing Signal Peak. Conservation groups have also contested the Trump administration’s approval of the mine’s AM3 expansion. In June 2026, the U.S. Office of Surface Mining approved the AM3 expansion without releasing a draft environmental impact statement, citing a Trump-era energy emergency order. The groups argue that no legitimate energy emergency exists and that the coal from the mine is primarily shipped overseas, rendering the expansion unnecessary.
Shiloh Hernandez, senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Northern Rockies Office, emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. “We will continue fighting for the landowners and community impacted by this lawless mine until the harm We see causing is lawfully disclosed and appropriately mitigated,” she said. “Signal Peak’s mine not only harms groundwater, the environment, and wildlife, but the company has repeatedly bullied and harassed ranchers and landowners in the area to force them off the land. The law requires the Department of Environmental Quality to be honest with the surrounding community about the extent of damage this coal mine is causing. That honest disclosure is what we’re seeking through our appeal.”
What’s Next?
The appeal will now proceed through the Montana court system. The next step is for the DEQ to file a response to the appeal, outlining its defense of the AM6 expansion approval. A hearing date has not yet been set. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future mining projects in Montana and the state’s commitment to environmental protection. The groups involved are prepared for a protracted legal battle, determined to ensure the long-term health of the Bull Mountains and the well-being of the surrounding communities.
This ongoing dispute over the Bull Mountains Coal Mine underscores the complex challenges of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous environmental review and the need for transparency and accountability in the permitting process.
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