Wyoming appeals Oregon's denial of coal port

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming is appealing Oregon's recent decision to deny an application to build a coal terminal at the Port of Morrow, on the Columbia River.

Wyoming, the nation's largest coal-producer, has been pressing for access to ports to export coal to Asia, but it has run into stiff opposition in the Northwest.

Gov. Matt Mead said Monday that Oregon's decision last month to block an application from a subsidiary of Ambre Energy, an Australian company, to build the terminal at the Port of Morrow violates the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause.

"Coal is the fastest-growing fuel source in the world, and this decision by the state of Oregon prevents Wyoming coal producers from competing in that marketplace," Mead said.

Julie Curtis, communications manager for the Oregon Department of State Lands, said Monday that in addition to Wyoming's appeal, the agency had received appeals from the Port of Morrow and from Coyote Island Terminal LLC, an Ambre Energy subsidiary. She said more were possible by day's end.