GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead is expressing optimism that the Wyoming Legislature will approve his request to build a $15 million coal research laboratory.

Mead says Campbell County would be a good place to locate a lab to look for innovative uses and emerging technology for coal. Wyoming is the nation's leading coal producer.

In an interview with the Gillette News Record Mead noted that people blame the burning of coal for climate change, so it's a goal to make coal more efficient and a better fuel source.

If the Legislature approves the proposal, Mead said he'll try to get other coal-producing states to buy in to the idea.

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