The White House today confirmed President George W. Bush will meet with state and national coal industry leaders, Thursday, July 31, during the annual meeting of the West Virginia Coal Association.
The president will use the opportunity to discuss overall energy policies and the importance of clean coal technologies and nuclear technology, according to a White House spokesman.
Coal Association President Bill Raney welcomed the visit.
CHARLESTON, WV: July 25, 2008-- The White House today confirmed President George W. Bush will meet with state and national coal industry leaders, Thursday, July 31, during the annual meeting of the West Virginia Coal Association.
The president will use the opportunity to discuss overall energy policies and the importance of clean coal technologies and nuclear technology, according to a White House spokesman.
Coal Association President Bill Raney welcomed the visit.
“Since he was first elected in 2000, the President has shown a strong and sincere commitment to the future of coal,” Raney said. “He believes in West Virginia coal. He believes in the West Virginia coal miner.”
Raney said with only five months left in his term, it would have been easy to simply run out the clock, but President Bush recognizes the need to address our current energy problems.
“Our country can’t wait for solutions,” Raney said. “The President isn’t waiting. He is working hard to free us from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.”
The coal industry isn’t waiting either, Raney said. “Our people are out there every day, working to provide the nation with a clean alternative to foreign oil.”
The Association’s annual meeting begins July 31 and runs through August 3 at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs. In addition to the visit by the President, Association members will hear from a number of other speakers.
Also scheduled to speak:
- West Virginia University’s Interim President Peter Magrath
- Michael Morris, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Electric Power Company
- Jim Boyd, of John T. Boyd Co., will discuss our coal markets
- Hal Quinn, Senior Vice President of the National Mining Association, will talk about national issues relating to coal
- Randy Huffman, Cabinet Secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection
- Homer Hickam, one of the original Rocket Boys and author of the recently released book.
West Virginia University Basketball Coach Bob Huggins and interim Dean of the West Virginia University Medical School Jim Brick will also be taking part in the presentation.
For More Information:
Terry L. Headley, Communications Director
West Virginia Coal Association
Phone: (304) 342-4153
Email: theadley@wvcoal.com