Wyoming backs coal with $1.2M threat to sue other states

[TexasTowelie]

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — While most states pursue ways to boost renewable energy, Wyoming is doing the opposite with a new program aimed at propping up the dwindling coal industry by suing other states that block exports of Wyoming coal and cause Wyoming coal-fired power plants to shut down.

The law signed April 6 by Republican Gov. Mark Gordon creates a $1.2 million fund for an initiative that marks the latest attempt by state leaders to help coal in the state that accounts for the bulk of U.S. coal production, which is down by half since 2008.

“Wyoming is sending a message that it is prepared to bring litigation to protect her interests,” Gordon spokesman Michael Pearlman said of the fund signed into law April 6.

The law puts West Coast states and Colorado on notice — all seek to get a large share of their electricity from renewables but still get juice from aging Wyoming coal-fired power plants. The approach may run into legal troubles, though, according to one constitutional expert.

Read more: https://www.americanpress.com/news/business/wyoming-backs-coal-with-1-2m-threat-to-sue-other-states/article_c2defd37-157e-5667-9e83-1857e82c765e.html
(Lake Charles American Press)

[DBoon]

1. WY is suing states that decide not to use coal?

What next, will GM sue people who buy Toyotas?

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

6. I know, funny how repubs go into a tizzy

when their beloved FREE MARKET works against them.

[TomDaisy]

2. One MILLION dollars!!!! LOL Ok Dr. Evil.

[Scrivener7]

3. Wow. Wyoming is a moron!

[elleng]

4. So can state vs. state lawsuits help the coal industry?

"We're supportive of all the efforts of the state right now to protect and defend the industry," Wyoming Mining Association Executive Director Travis Deti said.

Wyoming could waste a lot of money trying to convince courts to help coal, countered University of Maryland environmental law professor Robert Percival.

“I don't think they have a legal leg to stand on,” Percival said.

The Constitution's Commerce Clause prohibits states from barring goods and services based on their state of origin. States are free, however, to regulate or outright prohibit certain goods and services — coal and coal-fired electricity included — as long as they don't intentionally target other states, Percival said.

https://www.americanpress.com/news/business/wyoming-backs-coal-with-1-2m-threat-to-sue-other-states/article_c2defd37-157e-5667-9e83-1857e82c765e.html

[SWBTATTReg]

5. Wow...the thugs in Wyoming are threatening other states if they 'block' Wyoming's coal in some

manner ... how classy for Wyoming to threaten other states that don't allow Wyoming's coal in. Kind of pathetic if you ask me.

Perhaps the money is better spent in cleaning up their dirty coal prior to shipping it out to other states?