The Minnesota Market for Montana Coal

This paper discusses the Minnesota Market for Montana Coal. Minnesota is an important market to Montana coal producers, being the largest single market, consuming 30% or more of Montana's coal production. Based on a recent economic analysis of Montana's coal industry, Minnesota's share of the market translates into a total impact of 1,000 jobs for Montanans, $25 million in wages, and $138 million in business activity. Furthermore, it means $38 million in various kinds of direct taxes paid to state and local authorities. Clearly, Minnesota is vital to Montana. Montana in turn has been a good partner for Minnesota, as a reliable source of competitively priced energy vital to Minnesota's economy, helping to ensure that Minnesota's products and services are competitive, meanwhile helping to meet clean air standards.