242 Jobs will be lost at AEP due to EPA regulations
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin issued the following statement after learning American Electric Power (AEP) will close three West Virginia power plants by 2014 resulting in the loss of 242 jobs. AEP cites environmental regulations issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the cause of the impending closures.
"Today's announcement by AEP reinforces the belief that the EPA is out of touch with the economic impact of their overreaching regulations," Governor Tomblin said. "While the nation's economy is struggling, West Virginia recently saw a 4 percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) due to our approach to our energy sector and the improving business climate of our State.
Our work to improve our State continues, as West Virginia continues to pay down its debt, lower business taxes, explore ways to strengthen our energy sector, and rebuild our manufacturing base.
We all want a clean and healthy environment, but the EPA's inflexible approach that is driving our Nation's energy policy is wrong, and it will permanently damage industries, businesses, and cause significant negative impacts on consumers and workers. It needs to stop."