Darrin Old Coyote, the chairman of the Crow Tribe of Montana, testified before the House Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday afternoon.

Old Coyote said coal development generates jobs and revenues on the reservation. The Absaloka Mine, when it was last running at full capacity in 2010, brought in $20 million in taxes and royalties, he testified.

The tribe is seeking to expand development under a new agreement with Cloud Peak Energy. The lease covers a deposit estimated to contain 1.3 billion tons of coal but Old Coyote said the entire reservation is estimated to contain 9 billion tons.

To further development. Old Coyote called on Congress to extend tax incentives to encourage investment in Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Crow Chairman Talks Coal Development (KULR-TV 7/9)
Crow Tribe Chairman testifies on developing Montana coal (KPAX-TV 7/10)
Crow tribal chairman calls on Congress to extend coal tax breaks (The Great Falls Tribune 7/10)

Committee Notice:
Oversight Hearing on “Mining in America: Powder River Basin Coal Mining the Benefits and Challenges” (July 9, 2013)

Related Stories:
Crow chairman to testify at energy hearing after pipeline spill (7/9)
Crow Tribe wins BIA approval for coal development agreement (6/21)