Coal Export Terminal May Give Cowboy State Leg Up

A new coal export terminal being developed in Washington state may give the Cowboy State's sluggish coal industry a leg up.

Wendy Hutchinson, Vice President of Public Affairs for Millennium Bulk Terminals in Longview, Washington, was the Regulatory Affairs Manager for Arch Coal in the Powder River Basin prior to moving to Washington state.

She's hoping a partnership with Wyoming will not only bring family wage jobs to the struggling, industrial town of Longview, but help boost Wyoming's coal production.

"In my mind it's a real win-win," said Hutchinson.  "It's trying to enhance the economy of Washington state through the fantastic natural resources that the state of Wyoming has and that the Asian markets want and need for their energy security."

Japan, South Korea and Taiwan are the top potential overseas markets for Wyoming coal.