Gianforte Delivers Remarks at Coal Rally in Billings

Greg Gianforte called out the Obama and Bullock administrations with remarks at a pro-coal rally in Billings Tuesday. Gianforte noted that Montana receives about $50 million per biennium from federal coal royalties alone. The state is now starting to see declining revenue, and high wage job layoffs across the state, and cannot afford to lose more.

GIANFORTE:

Given the troubles in Montana’s economy, it is important that Secretary Jewell calls off any plans to increase royalty tax rates on federal coal leases. I’d also urge her to reconsider plans to impose a moratorium on new federal coal leases…We’re facing troubling economic times here in Montana. The last thing we need is failed leadership from the Obama Administration in Washington, and the Bullock Administration in Helena, piling on.

Montana is feeling the impacts of the War on Coal. Overall production is down by one-third this year. With the downturn comes less revenue from coal royalties and taxes.