Wyoming Seeks New Places to Export Coal

Wyoming’s coal industry is struggling to export its product, prompting Gov. Mark Gordon to contact the Mexican government about potentially using their ports to send Wyoming’s coal overseas. The move is in response to the state of Washington restricting coal exports from its ports, one of the main thoroughfares for Wyoming coal on its way to Asia. Washington, for example, nixed the development of a coal terminal along the Columbia River. In April, Wyoming state Sen. John Barrasso, a Republican, said that Washington “hijacked” the port. “Workers across the West would benefit from the coal export terminal Washington state has blocked,” he said. But Clark Williams-Derry, director of energy finance for the Sightline Institute, said that the environmental consequences of exporting coal are too great. "We are closing our own coal fired power plant within six years, the notion that at the same time we would be enabling the construction of others around the globe doesn't make climate sense,” he said. Through a deal with Mexico, Wyoming could transport their coal via train to the port of Ensenada, south of San Diego. “The governor has explored the option and had very preliminary conversations about moving natural resources, specifically coal, through Mexico. There remain many logistical factors, and the cost benefit analysis of the private sector will be the ultimate driver of exports through Mexico or another port,” said Gordon spokesman Michael Pearlman. With the coal industry in decline, mines in Wyoming have struggled to maintain operations in recent years, with some declaring bankruptcy. But Rob Godby, director of the Center for Energy Economics and Public Policy at the University of Wyoming, said that keeping mines open might not be the best way to bolster the industry in the state. "The irony here—and it's really a cruel irony—is everybody is focused on getting these miners back to work. But really the solution to creating a healthy industry is some mines close," Godby said. Coal plants have had difficulty maintaining their footing in an energy market that is increasingly transitioning away from coal in favor of solar, wind, and natural gas. Melissa Worden, a warehouse technician at a Wyoming mine, said that she hopes that the state can find a solution that balances environmental progress with the needs of workers. "It needs to be a group effort, not green is on one side and black is on the other. We don't want this community to die,” she said. [Casper Star-Tribune; Associated Press; Billings Gazette; Inside Climate News]

ST. LOUIS MURDERS | Missouri Gov. Mike Parsons last week dedicated state resources to helping St. Louis with their gun violence problem, which has led to the murders of two dozen children during 2019. Parsons, a Republican, met with city and county leaders to discuss solutions, and afterwards decided to send state troopers starting in October to “get more boots on the ground” in order to support local law enforcement. “As Governor and a former law enforcement officer for 22 years, protecting the citizens of our state is of utmost importance to my administration. We know we have a serious problem with violent crime that must be addressed. None of us, no matter where we're from, want to see our children being shot in the streets,” Parsons said. The state is also funding victim advocacy and social service programs, making the full pricetag for the governor’s commitment around $4 million. Parsons’ plan does not include any changes to the state’s gun laws, something that Democrats in the state, including St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson, have sought. Krewson wants for St. Louis to require permits for concealed carry, but state law does not allow local jurisdictions to impose stricter gun laws than those passed by the state legislature. [St. Louis Public Radio; NBC News; Associated Press]

LEGISLATOR PAY CUT | A proposal introduced in the Michigan state legislator would cut the pay of state lawmakers from $71,685 per year to $47,000 per year, which was the median salary in the state last year. State Rep. Steve Johnson, a Republican who introduced the bill, said that Michigan legislators should recognize the budgetary constraints that the state is under. “As we go through a tough budget season, it’s important for legislators to lead by example and be good public servants. Introducing this bill gives myself and my colleagues the chance to put our money where our mouth is,” he said. Michigan currently has the fourth-highest state legislator pay in the country, behind California, New York, and Pennsylvania. Michigan is one of only ten states that considers lawmakers full-time employees of the state; some states with part-time legislators pay them per day spent in session, rather than a yearly salary. [ABC 12; Ballotpedia]

PRESIDENTIAL BID | New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has ended his bid for the Democratic nomination to the presidency in the 2020 election. De Blasio struggled throughout his brief run to poll above a few percentage points, and said that he felt he had contributed all he could to the primary. "I'm gonna end my presidential campaign, continue my work as mayor of New York City and I'm gonna keep speaking up for working people and for a Democratic party that stands for working people," de Blasio said. His campaign was particularly unpopular amongst New Yorkers, with recent polling showing that 76% of New York City residents did not want him to run for president. But Peter Ragone, an adviser to de Blasio, said the mayor’s campaign was still worthwhile. “It has helped New York be seen as a progressive leader in the country. Many of the issues and solutions that are driving the Democratic Party primary have already been test-driven in New York,” he said. [CBS News; New York Times]

ALABAMA GOVERNOR DIAGNOSIS | Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer, but is undergoing treatment and expects to remain in her position. Ivey, a Republican, said that she expects to make a full recovery. "The good news is I am one of the fortunate ones where this was discovered early, and it is very treatable. The better news is Alabama is home to some of the world's leading physicians. My team of doctors have assured me this treatment has a very high rate of success and will have a minimal impact on my schedule,” she said. State officials, including Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, have sent messages of support to Ivey following the announcement. "Throughout her career, Kay Ivey has proven herself to be a strong and determined woman who will confront any obstacle placed in her path. The courage and tenacity she has shown in the past will serve her well in the challenge that lies ahead,” he said. [Montgomery Advertiser; CNN]