HELENA — Protesters opposed to coal development in Montana occupied the state Capitol Monday, planning a week-long event that aims to convince elected officials to block future development leases.

The protesters, led by a Missoula group called the Blue Skies Campaign, billed the "Coal Export Action sit-in" as a peaceful gathering. They hope to convince the Montana Land Board to reject development of coal in eastern Montana, or at a minimum delay action on the issue while more studies are undertaken.

AP Photo/Matt Gouras

Lowell Chandler, right, and Bryan Nickerson of the Missou...