Candidate: Export Wyoming Coal Through Idaho Port

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A state senator running for Wyoming's seat in the U.S. House says a port in Idaho should be used to export Wyoming coal overseas.

Wyoming is the top coal-producing state and for years has been looking to export large amounts of coal through ports on the West Coast. Support for that idea in Washington state and Oregon has been mixed, however, with some saying coal exports would exacerbate global warming.

The Port of Lewiston, Idaho, is on the Snake River. Some ocean-going vessels can reach Lewiston by way of the Columbia River. Republican Sen. Leland Christensen tells the Casper Star-Tribune Lewiston could be a good way to get around opposition to coal exports. He says he's discussed the idea with Idaho Gov. Butch Otter.