The Montana Chamber of Commerce is disappointed to hear that Washington state rejected a water quality permit for a coal export terminal in Longview, Washington.
The plant, proposed by Millennium Bank Terminals, would carry millions of tons of coal by train from Montana, Wyoming and other states that would be shipped from the export plant in Longview to high-demand markets in Asia.
The Montana Chamber supports the vital role that coal plays as an economic driver in the state, especially in communities like Colstrip.
“This ruling, on a project that has already faced unprecedented regulatory hurdles, has implications that go far beyond Washington state,” said Webb Brown, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber, “It discourages business investment throughout the Northwest in our natural resource industries and presents a missed opportunity for job growth here at home.”
Millennium Bulk Terminals will appeal the decision.
Two core objectives of the Montana Chamber of Commerce’s ten-year strategic plan, Envision 2026, are promoting an optimal business climate and developing a robust workforce.