Despite Stiff Opposition, Montana Land Board Approves Vast Coal Development

"It’s time for us to be visionary," she argued. "There is also value in keeping Montana as Montana." Superintendent Carol Juneau

Montana’s top elected officials backed a plan Monday to put vast tracts of coal up for lease, bucking pressure from environmentalists who say digging up and burning the fuel will be an "abomination" that endangers the planet.

The Montana Land Board said it will demand top dollar for the coal and expects private companies to place bids on the massive project within the next couple of months. Observers said the state may be asking too much.

By Matt Gouras, Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/despite_stiff_opposition_land_board_approves_vast_coal_development/14903/