Wyoming Legislature Begins Considering Budget Bill

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The state budget bill that got its airing at the full Wyoming Legislature on Monday calls for putting up state funds to try to enable overseas coal exports.

Rep. Steve Harshman, a Casper Republican, is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Harshman told House members Monday that the committee recommends spending $500,000 over the coming two years to cover legal expenses if the state has to sue to get access to deep water ports in the Northwest.

Wyoming hopes to export coal to Asia, but has faced opposition from some in the Northwest who are concerned about dust and noise from coal trains.

Harshman says the funding would send the message that Wyoming believes the planned exports are important and is willing to fight for them.