Lawmakers look abroad for new coal markets in state income discussions

Irina Zhorov — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:55:24 +0000

With the start of the legislative session Tuesday, lawmakers have begun to lay out ideas for state income opportunities and budget priorities. With a slow-down in energy revenue predicted for the next decade, House Speaker, Thomas Lubnau, says Wyoming should look for new opportunities abroad.

“15% of Australia’s gross domestic product, about 1 in every 5 dollars of the Australian economy, is shipping coal to Asia. And there’s a huge opportunity for Wyoming to hop into that market if we can figure out a way to get ports either on the Gulf Coast or in Washington or Oregon.”

Increase of Coal Exports to Asia Could Affect Communities en Route

Irina Zhorov — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 15:38:36 +0000

A Western Organization of Resource Councils report says an increase of Powder River Basin coal exports from Pacific ports to Asia could bring unconsidered problems. The environmental group’s report alleges that increased coal traffic would congest rail lines, bring coal dust, and force communities to front billions of dollars for infrastructure improvements.

asia

Lawmakers look abroad for new coal markets in state income discussions

Increase of Coal Exports to Asia Could Affect Communities en Route