By Taylor Kuykendall, Reporter - email
Though the coal industry may face a tougher crowd at the federal level, West Virginia officials are embracing the industry.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Senate President Jeff Kessler both talked up their dedication to coal at the West Virginia Coal Association's symposium Thursday.
"Coal has been the backbone of our economy for 100 years and will continue to for many years to come, to be an important of our economy in West Virginia," Tomblin said, thanking the industry representatives for their roles in the state's success.
While coal is often criticized for its harmful effects on environment and health, Mountain State officials often praise its effects on the economy, jobs and even the government's own coffers. Kessler pointed out that more than 60 percent of the state's business taxes come from the coal industry, which also supplies more than 30,000 jobs.
Kessler said he was very "bullish" on the continued economic success of West Virginia.
"We are poised if you look – objectively – objectively, at our state, we are eating the lunch of so many of our surrounding states," Kessler said. "Everybody in this state is touched by coal. Every single person. Whether it's electricity, mining, production, infrastructure, every West Virginian has a stake in the coal energy."
Tomblin praised the state's financial health and bond rating and attributed much of that success to West Virginia coal.
"We probably would be facing the same financial circumstances that many of the other states that have had to raise taxes and cut programs," Tomblin told the industry. "Thanks to you, and the jobs that you do, we're not having to do that."
Tomblin reassured the Coal Association that he would continue to "fight the EPA" with a lawsuit started by Gov. Joe Manchin.
"We will continue to do that to make sure we keep coal being produced in West Virginia, keep the jobs that each of have out there and many of the thousands in the state of West Virginia," Tomblin said, later adding that he would "do all I can to support the coal industry.
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