Norton pressed on Mont. coal transfer

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2002

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton was asked by Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath on Tuesday to complete a transfer of coal tracts to the state.

The Department of Interior is directed by federal law to make the land transfer. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe sued to prevent the move but withdrew its lawsuit in exchange for assurances on economic development and cultural preservation.

The Montana State Land Board imposed conditions on development of the coal tracts to respond to the tribe's concerns.

Get the Story:
McGrath asks interior secretary to allow Otter Creek coal transfer (The Billings Gazette 3/20)