As chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Mining who represents Raleigh and Wyoming counties-- coal mining communities in a coal mining state, I’m standing up for West Virginia coal. I’m asking every West Virginian to join me in support of coal.
With recent EPA decision to undergo additional review for mining permits, I’m asking every West Virginian join me and sign my petition to support the West Virginia coal industry.
Last month, the EPA referred 79 pending mining permits, including 23 in West Virginia, to its water quality experts and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for more scrutiny. EPA is indicating that it has concerns about whether these proposals comply with the Clean Water Act, as well as raise significant environmental issues.
I believe the EPA must use a transparent process based on current law and regulation for the consideration of these permits with regard to the current CWA- not scrutinized by last minute EPA decisions.
I have initiated a state wide online petition drive in support of WV coal. So, join me and thousands of West Virginia residents requesting approval of the 23 pending mine permits in WV that have been put on hold by signing my petition at www.supportwvcoal.com .
Again, please take a few moments to sign my petition online at www.supportwvcoal.com and help keep WV families working. West Virginia's economy depends on coal-- Your jobs and the jobs of your family and friends … the very future of our state … depend on you!
