He called on Washington to reconsider an electoral order signed by Democratic Governor Jay Inslee, which aimed to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan includes phasing out electricity generated from burning coal, although no timeline was established.

Only 13% of Washington’s electricity comes from coal power, with the majority from hydropower, but coal is responsible for more than 80% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Daines wrote a letter to Inslee which stated: “Your policy would have serious consequences for Montana jobs, the financial integrity of financial institutions and the price of electricity for families and businesses across the region”

Daines is in his first term and due to run for Senate in the next election.

He recently met with coal representatives in Billings, Montana, to show his support for the industry.

In response to Daines’ letter, a spokesman for Inslee said Washington faced economic risks of its own as climate change threatened to hurt businesses.

“Coal has a major impact on the health of Washington state,” the spokesman said.

"A growing number of industries, led today perhaps by the shellfish industry, are concerned about what climate change and ocean acidification will mean."

It appears unlikely that Inslee will reconsider the plan despite mounting pressure from neighbouring states.