Coal news and updates

Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead pushes coal ports on NW trip

Gov. Matt Mead is in the Northwest, pushing for access to deep-water ports that would allow shipment of Wyoming coal to Asian markets.

Mead is set to meet Monday with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee in Olympia.

Mead's also set to meet Tuesday with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown before returning to Wyoming that evening.

Officials in both Washington and Oregon have expressed concerns about the prospect of coal exports.

Wyoming is the nation's leading coal-producing state but state officials are worried by sinking domestic demand for coal. The Wyoming Legislature this year authorized issuing state bonds if necessary to finance coal port construction.

Wyoming and Montana have appealed last year's decision by Oregon regulators denying an energy company's application for a coal-loading station on the Columbia River.

source: http://trib.com