Whopper of the Day - July 16th:

the truth about Coal Production

In a pro-Brian Schweitzer radio ad promoting the Governor’s re-election, Schweitzer takes credit for increasing coal production in Montana. However, news accounts report that his administration has failed to move forward on development of Otter Creek, while records prove that Wyoming’s 2006 annual coal production increased by more than Montana’s total coal production in the same year.

Schweitzer claiming credit for increasing Montana coal production“

"With Democrat Brian Schweitzer as our Governor, and Republican John Bohlinger as our Lt. Governor, Montana is now on the move.

“Increased oil and coal production and new wind energy that's leading the nation.”

(Emphasis added)

(Pro-Schweitzer radio add, July, 2008)

News accounts show that Schweitzer’s administration has slowed the development of the vast coals reserves at Otter Creek

“A London investment bank representing an unspecified company has asked for an estimated 550 million tons of coal owned by the state of Montana to be put up for lease in the next few months, state officials said Tuesday.” “An adviser to Gov. Brian Schweitzer said the state was reviewing the request by the investment bank, Rothschild, but was unsure if it could meet the bank's timeline.”

(“Company Proposes Otter Creek Coal Lease,” Associated Press, Matthew Brown. 3-26-2008)

“Leases on vast state-owned coal tracts in southeastern Montana will be offered for bid by the end of the year, but possibly not in time to fulfill an investment bank's request for an expedited timeline, state officials said.”

(“Montana Looks To Offer Coal Leases By Year’s End,” Associated Press, Matthew Brown. 4-19-2008)

Records prove Montana coal production remains less than 10% of Wyoming Production

Wyoming’s annual coal production from 2005 to 2006 increased by more than Montana’s total annual production in 2006(1). Despite having the largest coal reserves in the nation(2), Montana production remains at less than 10% of the coal production of Wyoming.

                           2006                       2005                    Change

Montana              41,823                   40,354                   +1,429

Wyoming             446,742                 404,319                 +42,423

(Data in Thousand Short Tons)

Sources:

1. Energy Information Administration - http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/acr/acr_sum.html

2. National Mining Association - 2006 Coal Reserves By State - http://www.nma.org/pdf/c_reserves.pdf

Whopper of the Day - July 16th:

the truth about Coal Production

Brian Schweitzer … You Just Can’t Trust Him