Governor Mark Gordon hosts town hall in Gillette

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Gillette College’s Technical Education Center was filled Tuesday with members of Gillette’s community to hear how Wyoming is responding to protect their economy and energy professionals.

The meeting began with an introduction by Governor Mark Gordon who then shared the microphone with Senator Cynthia Lummis, Campbell County Commissioners, and representatives from the energy industry to provide their insights on the proposed rules and how they would impact Campbell County and their community members.

One proposed rule would end federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, the nation’s largest coal supplier. It produced 230 million short tons of federal coal in 2023.

Gillette Mayor Shay Lundvall shared that he has worked in both the coal mines and gas and oil fields and that these industries touch everyone.

“I think there is something to be said about the passion we all experienced today. That in one way or another it has touched us. Not only has it touched us locally, but it touches us nationally,” Lundvall said.

The coal from the Powder River Bison is sold to 24 different states. Governor Gordon said the country would be re-powering over the next couple years and coal will remain an important part of Wyoming.

“I want to make sure that when those companies start to rebuild their plants, which they will be doing over the next few years, that they say coal is a very important part of our portfolio,” Gordon said.

Governor Gordon said the city of Gillette has seen several ups and downs, but he has no doubts that the city will triumph.

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