By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Missouri, Kansas and four other states say a plan by St. Louis-based Arch Coal Company to buy a rival coal producer is a bad idea for consumers.
The states are suing in federal court in Washington, D.C. to block the deal involving Arch -- the nation's second-largest coal producer -- and rival Triton, the seventh-largest.
The states -- including Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa and Texas -- argue that the deal would dangerously reduce competition among coal producers and perhaps lead to higher electricity rates.
Arch says the concerns are unjustified, and that the deal would create efficiencies that could benefit consumers.
The Federal Trade Commission also plans to seek legal action blocking the deal.