Air Force officials complete coal-to-liquid plant analysis Published Feb. 3, 2009 AFNS WASHINGTON -- After a thorough review of project requirements and information submitted by a team of functional experts, Air Force officials have determined proposals received for a coal-to-liquid synthetic fuel plant on Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., are not viable and will no longer pursue possible development of a plant at the installation. As the source-selection authority, Kathleen Ferguson, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, made the decision after reviewing information provided by officials at the Air Force Real Property Agency, Air Force Space Command and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB. AFRPA officials released a Request for Qualifications for the project in February, 2008. Air Force stipulations on this project included: -- The coal-to-liquid plant would be wholly privately funded for construction, operations and maintenance; -- The plant would not adversely affect the mission of the wing or quality of life of Malmstrom Airmen; -- The plant would be required to meet all applicable federal laws and regulations. The Air Force reviews cited possible conflicts with the wing's mission, including degradation of security in the vicinity of weapons storage area; interference with existing missile transportation operations; and issues with explosive safety arcs and operational flight safety.