Lawmakers from three states plan to tour a proposed coal export terminal along the Columbia River, as supporters tout its economic benefits in the face of resistance from environmentalists and some officials.
The pro-business group Keep Washington Competitive is sponsoring the Monday trip for legislators from Washington, Wyoming and Montana.
The Millenium Bulk Terminals coal port in Longview would allow increased exports of the fuel that’s mined in the Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming.
U.S. coal sales suffered in recent years due to competition from cheap natural gas and more restrictive pollution rules for coal-burning power plants.
