Wyoming, Montana seek Supreme Court ruling on coal exports

CHEYENNE, Wyo. | By MEAD GRUVER (AP) – Wyoming and Montana are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on Washington State’s denial of a permit for a port facility that could boost U.S. coal exports.

The coal-producing Rocky Mountain states argue in a filing Tuesday the denial violates the U.S. Constitution.

Washington State in 2017 denied a key permit for South Jordan, Utah-based Lighthouse Resources to be able to proceed with its $680 million Millennium Bulk Terminals project in Longview, Washington.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said Tuesday the denial is a “de facto blockade” on coal-mining states. A spokesman for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says Washington will continue to defend its decision.