Action Center
Whopper of the Day - July 17th:
the truth about THE "NEW" Bull Mountain Mine
In a press release today from the Governor’s office, Brian Schweitzer takes credit for the opening of a “new mine” at Bull Mountain. Records show that the mine has been in existence for years and was re-permitted under the Martz administration. Today’s announcement represents a transfer of ownership and a promising future for the mine, but the mine itself is not a new development.
Schweitzer claiming credit for a “New Mine” at Bull Mountain
“Governor: New Mine at Bull Mountain, 35% Increase in Montana Coal Output, Better Energy Future for Montana.”
“Today, Governor Brian Schweitzer announced that there will be a new mining operation opening at Bull Mountain near Roundup. Bull Mountain will be Montana's only underground mine and one of the most significant contiguous coal reserves in the United States. The new mine is poised to be the most productive single long-wall mining operation in the nation.”
(Emphasis added)
(Governor Schweitzer Press Release, 7-17-2008)
Reports show operations have existed at Bull Mountain for years
“In 1993, a coal permit was issued for an underground mine on the Meged property to Meridian Minerals Co., a subsidiary of Burlington Resources.
“In 1995, the permit was transferred to Glacier Park Co., another subsidiary of Burlington Resources.
“In Sept., 1995, the permit was transferred again to Mountain Inc., of Knoxville, Tenn., and coal mining started again at Bull Mountain Coal Mine No. 1 in November 1995.
“The mine, plagued by problems, operated for 21/2 years until May 9, 1998, when the Montana Department of Environmental Quality revoked Mountain Inc.’s permit because of permit violations and unpaid fees.”(“Coal Shapes Bull Mountain History,” Billings Gazette, Jan Falstad. 8-19-2001)
Bull Mountain’s permit to operate was reissued in 2002 under Governor Martz
“A permit for the Bull Mountain coal mine south of Roundup is ready to be transferred to new operators, state officials said Thursday.
“Jan Sensibaugh, director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, said the agency this week completed its work and all issues have been addressed. The only remaining item is for the company, BMP Investments, Inc., to submit its bond, she said.”(“DEQ ready to transfer Bull Mountain permit,” Billings Gazette, Clair Johnson. 4-5-2002)
Brian Schweitzer … You Just Can’t Trust Him