OLYMPIA, Wash. – Montana’s governor is heading to Washington state to discuss a new Columbia River coal port being challenged by environmentalists over greenhouse-gas concerns.
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is planning to meet with Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire Wednesday afternoon to discuss the project.
Conservation groups are challenging the permit for a planned port redevelopment in Longview, which is about 40 miles north of Portland, Ore. The project would handle about 5 million tons of coal annually. It would be shipped by rail from Wyoming and Montana.
Schweitzer is a supporter of the coal terminal. Gregoire has called for a balanced approach that recognizes environmental concerns and the need for jobs. Both are Democrats.