Schweitzer envisions a plant where the state-owned Otter Creek coal reserves are located in Powder River County. It would cost $2.5 billion to build a private project over two years with 5,000 construction workers, he said, citing Pentagon estimates. About 1,000 people would operate the plant permanently, not counting those working to mine the coal to fuel the plant. Such a plant would produce 30,000 barrels of fuel daily.
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The coal-conversion process produces no air pollution, uses no water and creates electricity as a byproduct. The petroleum fuels produced could be shipped out of state by pipeline.
I don't know of any manufacturing process that uses no water and produces no air pollution. Sounds like a dream but I will give anything a chance until proven otherwise.
A few other thoughts on this to ponder. I mentioned the NPRC just yesterday and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will fight such development tooth and nail. Just the idea of development anywhere in southeastern Montana raises their hackles.
5000 construction jobs and 1000 permanent jobs exclusive of the mine itself, you want to talk about growing pains in poor Ashland Montana, this would create it.
I would be curious to know what the Amish community in Ashland would think of all this development.
It kind of sounds too good to be true but we will see where it goes. trying to find a private concern that wants to spend BILLIONS of dollars doing this could be real tough if you ask me.
The development of technology will leave only one problem: the infirmity of human nature. Karl Kraus
I'm not so sure I agree with your other thesis regarding the NPRC and economic development in SE Montana. The comment of one of the Powder River commissioners on the county becoming "extinct" is entirely possible, but has less to do with the NPRC's CBM efforts in the area.
Good luck with the branding! If you ever need help in the future, holler.
Mike
Too good to be true- I doubt it. If the defence department is as interested as the article says, this is a darn good project. It also sounds like the technology has been around for ages, but now with oil so darn expencive, its actually worth it now!
It's amazing to see how much insiration one Governor can give to Montana- you have to agree with that, Sarpy!