AP 5-20,2015
Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says he emphasized to the governor of Oregon on Tuesday that the future of Wyoming’s coal industry requires getting access to deep-water ports for exports to Asian markets.
Mead’s meeting with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Tuesday follows his meeting Monday with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. Mead is a Republican while both other governors are Democrats.
Wyoming is the nation’s leading coal-producing state. Lower natural gas prices and stiffer federal emissions regulations are driving down domestic demand.
Both Oregon and Washington have been cool to the prospect of allowing coal exports. State officials have said any analysis of burning coal in Asia needs to consider the effect on global climate change.
Mead says he believes Wyoming has a right under interstate commerce to export coal.