#MTGov Daily Rundown: More Tough Times for Montana Coal as Bullock Benefits from Anti-Coal Money

Montana's coal industry continues to struggle, as noted in yet another newspaper article over the weekend. The article notes that 7 million fewer tons of coal have been mined in Montana at this point in the year compared to 2015, and the high-paying jobs tied to Montana's coal industry continue to disappear.

"The slide in Montana coal production continues, with more than 7 million fewer tons mined through the first half of the year compared to 2015.

Through June, mines in Montana lost roughly two months' worth of production when compared to coal mined in the first six months of last year. The disparity was worst in the last two months." -Helena IR, 8/14/2016

Job losses continue to mount and planned projects are "languishing."

"In the first half of the year, Montana saw more than 66 coal mining jobs lost and the bankruptcy of Arch Coal, which abandoned plans to develop a mine at Otter Creek, a project in which Arch had already invested $159 million and paid Montana an $86 million bonus for state-owned minerals involved in the deal.

A $1.4 billion coal deal signed by the Crow Tribe with Cloud Peak Energy in 2013 has also languished, and declining royalties from another Crow mine has resulted in tribal government layoffs." -Helena IR, 8/14/2016

The article also notes that the state lost million of dollars in revenue thanks to the coal slowdown, exacerbating Montana's already dire problem of declining revenues.

ICYMI - "#MTGOV DAILY RUNDOWN: Revenues Continue Sharp Decline Under Bullock's Failed Leadership"

Meanwhile Governor Bullock will not stand up for Montana's coal industry. In June, his office did not even send a representative to a hearing on a bill sponsored by Rep. Zinke and Sen. Daines that seeks to protect Montana coal jobs.

“Gov. Steve Bullock did not send anyone to the hearing.

Zinke spokeswoman Heather Swift said their office was surprised the governor didn’t want to be involved, saying he has voiced support in the past and has been opposed to federal moratoriums.

‘As far as his motivation we’re completely clueless as to why they wouldn’t want to participate,’ she said.” -Great Falls Tribune 6/15/2016


This is after Bullock waited until the last minute (under pressure from Gianforte) to call on Washington Gov. Jay Inslee to veto a bill that paves the way for the shutdown of the Colstrip Power Plant AFTER first saying he wouldn’t demand a veto.

“Bullock isn’t likely to veto the bill.” -MTN News, 3/15/2016

FLIP-FLOP:

“Montana Gov. Steve Bullock last week asked Inslee to veto the bill over concerns about its effect on Montana.” -Seattle Times, 4/3/2016


Last year, Bullock refused to support Attorney General Tim Fox’s lawsuit against the Obama/EPA Clean Power Plan which threatens thousands of Montana jobs.

“A statement issued by Governor Steve Bullock didn’t say whether he thinks the lawsuit is a good idea.” -Montana Public Radio, 10/23/2015

The governor has tried to claim that he is pro-Montana coal, yet he voted against the Otter Creek Coal Mine as Attorney General, a project that would have created 4400 Montana jobs.

“Attorney General Steve Bullock and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau voted against the lease.” -Billings Gazette, 3/18/2010

It's no wonder that Bullock won't stand up for Montana coal after it was revealed that Bullock is taking money from board members of groups actively trying to shut down Montana's coal industry.

From MEIC:

Greg Lind (Missoula) - $1,300 to Steve Bullock 2016, $1260 in 2012
Bob Ream (Helena) -$300 to Steve Bullock in 2016, $1260 in 2012
Jennifer Swearingen (Bozeman) - $200 to SB in 2016, $650 in 2012
John Rundquist Treasurer (Helena) - $250 Steve Bullock 2012
Alexis Bonogofsky (Billings) -$350 Steve Bullock (2012)

From the Sierra Club's Montana Executive Committee:

Teresa Brock - $100 to SB in 2016
Mike Scott (staff) - $400 to SB in 2016
Bob Clark - $100 to SB in 2016, $25 in 2012

From Montana Conservation Voters:

Robin Saha - Vice Chairperson - $50 in 2016, $25 in 2012

Elizabeth Ametsbichler - Treasurer - $100 in 2016,  $50 in 2012

Dave Chadwick - Director Helena - $50 in 2016

Katie Craig Scherfig - Gallatin-Park Chapter Representative - $35 in 2012

Brenda Lindlief Hall - PAC Board Rep. $225 in 2016, $235 in 2012

Beth Madden - Alternate Gallatin-Park Chapter Representative - $15 in 2016

Clayton Elliott - $50 in 2016, $75 in 2012

Ross Prosperi - $50 in 2012

Neal Ullman - $100 in 2012

Jeanne Marie Souvigney -$200 in 2012

Bullock is also benefitting from $500,000 in dark money independent expenditures from the anti-coal Montana Conservation Voters. As Count on Coal reported, MCV received contributions of $100,000 in 2013 and $110,000 in 2015 from a group called the Brainerd Foundation. Those gifts are listed on Brainerd's web site:

If you look at Brainerd's front page on their web site, the #1 "recent success" they list is shutting down Colstrip.

Brainerd has also given to MEIC (the group suing to shut down Colstrip) $287,000 over the last five years.  

ICYMI-Governor Bullock endorsed Hillary Clinton for President, who promises a radical anti-coal, anti-gun agenda for Montana and the nation.

“…we’re gonna put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business”-Hillary Clinton, on CNN, 3/13/2016