environmental concerns superseded by a state’s obligation to bring in revenues from its land?

[The Straight Story]

Environmentalists contest projects

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A new appraisal of vast state-owned coal reserves in southeastern Montana finds the state would reap $1.4 billion in royalty payments over the next four decades if it leases the property for mining.

Development of the Otter Creek tracts — more than a billion tons of coal co-owned by the state and Great Northern Properties — could open the door to a dramatic expansion of the region’s coal industry. It also could facilitate construction of a long-delayed rail line, the Tongue River Railroad.

Both projects are fiercely contested by environmentalists and some Montana property owners, including billionaire Forrest Mars Jr. of the Mars candy business.

Developing the tracts has been pushed by private industry and the Montana Rural Education Association, which wants the royalty payments for public schools.

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Monday he wants a mine built, but only if the state gets top dollar for its assets. He said any environmental concerns were superseded by the state’s obligation to bring in revenues from its land.

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/articles/index.cfm?id=22111§ion=News

[Muttocracy]

1. hmmm - don't like that turn of phrase - hope it was a poor quote of him.