BACKSTORY
In 2009, Montana granted an 8,300-acre lease to Arch Coal for a proposed strip mine along Otter Creek in the southeast corner of the state. The sprawling project would have created the largest coal mine in the U.S., and built a swath of railroad through remote prairie and ranch lands. But the 10-year lease prompted a strong backlash, including a lawsuit from environmentalists, who invoked the statement in Montana’s Constitution that “a clean and healthful environment” is an inalienable right (“Clean and healthful environment,” HCN, 8/30/10).
FOLLOWUP
Although a Montana district court decision eventually struck down the environmental challenge, mine opponents can breathe a sigh of relief. Citing “further deterioration in coal markets,” Arch Coal — already in the throes of bankruptcy — announced on March 10 that it would suspend its Otter Creek application. The state had already highlighted multiple deficiencies in the application, including concerns over wildlife, hydrology and reclamation.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Latest: Arch Coal ends its pursuit of Otter Creek coal.
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