BILLINGS, Mont. — The U.S. government proposed changes Friday in how it values coal mined from public lands in the West to make sure companies aren’t shortchanging taxpayers on sales to Asia.
The Interior Department announcement comes after coal exports surged in recent years.
Under rules in place since the 1980s, companies can sell the fuel to affiliates and pay royalties to the government on that price, then turn around and sell the coal for more overseas.
Federal lawmakers and interest groups have warned taxpayers could lose many millions of dollars annually if royalties are unfairly calculated.
