|
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Rising energy costs have been cited as one factor pushing the nation toward recession, but those same increases are keeping some state economies strong.
Central states and those in the West with large stakes in oil, gas, minerals and corn — the main ingredient in ethanol — have avoided the economic downturn that threatens tax revenues elsewhere.
Montana and New Mexico expect oil revenue to remain strong and Wyoming, the nation's leading coal-producing state, projects its energy production revenue will increase a savings fund to $4 billion by 2010.
|