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wvpublicbroadcasting.org

Representatives from the coal industry in West Virginia met with local and state lawmakers Tuesday to discuss the future of the coal industry. Their talk focused on combating Federal environmental regulations, including the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, a proposed federal rule meant to cut carbon emissions from existing power plants.

By  in News | June 09, 2015 at 7:21PM
wvmetronews.com

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Forum hosted a meeting at Charleston’s Embassy Suites Tuesday to bring attention to the impact of the EPA’s Clean Power Plan.

Among those on hand were Senate President Bill Cole and House Speaker Tim Armstead. The forum aimed to confront head-on the state and federal environmental regulations that have hurt the industry and West Virginia’s economy. Roger Horton, the director of Citizens for Coal says the hard times have hurt the entire state.

By Sarah Tincher, Energy Reporter

Lawmakers and industry leaders gathered before dozens of attendees to address coal, climate change and federal regulations at the West Virginia Coal — 2015 & Beyond event June 9 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston.

The event was hosted by the West Virginia Coal Forum, which is an organization that represents both labor and management in the coal industry.

The program is the first in a serious of educational and informational events that aim to bring attention to the potential impact of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Clean Power Plan.

by Samuel Speciale, Capitol reporter
wvgazette.com

State lawmakers and industry leaders on Tuesday criticized the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan during an hours-long discussion in Charleston on West Virginia’s declining coal industry.

The forum comes days after Appalachian Power permanently closed three plants and the announcement that Murray Energy Corporation would lay off as many as 1,800 miners, some of which are expected to be in West Virginia.

“We’re really in a crisis here,” said Chris Hamilton, co-chairman of the Coal Forum and senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association.

Climatologist Dr. John Christy explains why he disagrees with the idea of climate change and the EPA’s flawed climate model. 

By Samantha Cart 
WV Executive

Climatologist Dr. John Christy explains why he disagrees with the idea of climate change and the EPA’s flawed climate model.

A case for climate change is being made everywhere: in the classroom, in the courtroom and in the White House. The science and tenants of global warming are widely accepted in the scientific community and have been translated into government agencies, stringent regulations and green business practices.

Charleston, WV (June 4, 2015) – The West Virginia Coal Forum – an organization representing both labor and management in the coal industry – applauds United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts for his call to action in support of mining jobs yesterday in Morgantown, representatives announced. 

Chris Hamilton, co-chairman of the West Virginia Coal Forum, said, “We are so very appreciative of  President Roberts and his remarks yesterday in Morgantown.  We need everyone – miners, state residents, elected officials on all levels – to do what they can to stop the EPA’s efforts to put our miners and the jobs of those that depend on them out of work and reduce America’s energy independence.” 

Roberts urged UMWA members to work in their communities to oppose government incentives for new gas-fired power plants, encourage their local congressional representatives to fight new air pollution regulations and support lifting the ban on exports for natural gas. 

The West Virginia Coal Forum, in conjunction with multiple local, regional and national partners, will host a forum to highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the coal industry from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston.  

“The issues President Roberts highlighted in his speech will be front and center on Tuesday, and we encourage the public to attend,” Hamilton said.