Press Release received today:

This week, the state of Wyoming and the Port of Morrow filed an appeal to the Oregon Department of State Land's (DSL) politically motivated denial of permits for the proposed Morrow Pacific Terminal in Boardman, Oregon.

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said the decision violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and called the DSL decision one "based on its dislike of a specific commodity – coal." The Port of Morrow criticized Oregon lawmakers for playing politics at the expense of a promising trade opportunity that will benefit trade industries across the Northwest region.

While the decision will have no bearing on the existing Environmental Impact Statement review processes on Washington's two proposed terminals, it highlights the dire need to keep trade opportunities open through Washington and Oregon's seaports. Recently approved expansions at the Port of Vancouver, B.C. and Long Beach, CA have demonstrated the high level of environmental compliance coal export facilities routinely meet. By hindering new investment in our vital regional ports, Oregon has damaged the Pacific Northwest's reputation as a viable trade hub.