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The protesters, led by a Missoula based group called the Blue Skies Campaign, billed the "Coal Export Action sit-in" as a non-violent protest. The group hopes to convince the Montana Land Board to reject development of coal in eastern Montana's Otter Creek, or at a minimum delay action on the issue while more studies are undertaken. Seven activists were initially arrested but others vowed to continue their actions. However, by the end of the first week of protest a total of 23 activists were arrested.<ref>[http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/coal-protesters-occupy-state-capitol/article_9ea66c7d-454b-50e9-a95c-6c1843ddc011.html#ixzz23dvBe9FR Coal protesters occupy state Capitol"] Associated Press, August 13, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.kxlf.com/news/update-coal-protesters-arrested-at-capital/ "Coal protesters arrested at capital"] KXLF.com, August 13, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://ecowatch.org/2012/23-arrested-stop-coal-exports/ "23 Arrested in Fight to Stop Coal Exports"] Nick E. Ecowatch.com, August 20, 2012.</ref>
===Montana ranchers see biggest fears realized as Asian energy demands fuel coal export boom===
In September 2012 vocal ranchers in Montana raised concerns that increased mining in the state could negatively impact water supplies in the area. In addition to the impacts of mining, they warn that increased coal train traffic will cause significant road delays in bigger cities and alter rural communities. They also add that pushing more coal onto the international market will boost greenhouse gas emissions.
==EPA releases list of 44 "high hazard" coal ash dumps==
