Wyoming Bets Millions It Can Bully Other States Into Taking Its Coal
It all went down on April 6…
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon created a $1.2 million fund that would be used to help the state’s coal industry sue any state that blocks its coal exports.
How did all of this come about?
As reported by the AP:
Last year, Wyoming and Montana. asked the Supreme Court to override a decision by Washington state to deny a permit to build a coal export dock on the Columbia River.
The interstate lawsuit followed years of unsuccessful attempts by the dock s developer, Utah-based Lighthouse Resources, to contest the permit denial in federal court.
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Source:
Associated Press
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) While most states pursue ways to boost renewable energy, Wyoming is doing the opposite with a new program aimed at propping up the dwindling coal industry by suing other states that block exports of Wyoming coal and cause Wyoming coal-fired power plants to shut down.
The law signed April 6 by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008.
“Wyoming is sending a message that it is prepared to bring litigation to protect her interests,” Gordon spokesman Michael Pearlman said of the fund signed into law April 6.
Wyoming says it will sue other states that block the export of its coal.
May 3rd, 2021
In this Nov. 29, 2006 file photo, steam rises from the huge boiler units at the Jim Bridger Power Plant, east of Rock Springs, Wyo. A law signed April 6, 2021, by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008. Wyoming coal production, which accounts for about 40% of the nation s total, has declined as utilities switch to gas, which is cheaper to burn to generate electricity.
May 3, 2021 Share
While most states pursue ways to boost renewable energy, Wyoming is doing the opposite with a new program aimed at propping up the dwindling coal industry by suing other states that block exports of Wyoming coal and cause Wyoming coal-fired power plants to shut down.
The law signed April 6 by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008.
“Wyoming is sending a message that it is prepared to bring litigation to protect her interests,” Gordon spokesman Michael Pearlman said of the fund signed into law April 6.
Wyoming backs coal with $1.2M threat to sue other states
The Associated PressMay 3, 2021News
Jeff Gearino/Casper Star-Tribune via AP, FileIn this Nov. 29, 2006 file photo, steam rises from the huge boiler units at the Jim Bridger Power Plant, east of Rock Springs, Wyo. A law signed April 6, 2021, by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008. Wyoming coal production, which accounts for about 40% of the nation s total, has declined as utilities switch to gas, which is cheaper to burn to generate electricity. Solar and wind power also are on the rise as coal s share of the U.S. power market shrinks from about half in the early 2000s to less than 20% now.