McKinley Defends Coal Exports Against Witness Who Says Coal Should Stay “In the Ground”
Washington, D.C. — Yesterday at a hearing on exporting American coal and natural gas, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) took on a witness with extreme anti-coal views and pointed out the devastating impact his position would have on the economy of West Virginia and the United States.
“Opponents of coal exports talk about the impact on climate change, but their true goal is to stop using coal,” said Rep. McKinley. “This would destroy thousands of jobs in West Virginia and across the country and send utility bills skyrocketing. Coal exports are critical to the health of our economy.”
In his testimony to the Committee, Mike McGinn Mayor of the City of Seattle, WA, wrote that America should “keep our coal in the ground where it belongs.”
“Anti-coal zealots should be called out for what they really believe,” said McKinley. “The witness yesterday confirmed what many others will not say publicly. He would like to ‘keep coal in the ground.’ This is a scary prospect for West Virginia and the United States economy.”
McKinley also challenged McGinn for his statement that coal receives “massive subsidies.” McGinn was unable to explain what subsidies he was referring to.
“Opponents of coal often make statements and claims that are not based in reality,” said McKinley. “I will continue to push back on their flawed arguments and stand up for the men and women who rely on coal for jobs and affordable energy.”
To watch Tuesday’s exchange between Rep. McKinley and McGinn, click here.
To watch Rep. McKinley question Christopher A. Smith, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy for the U.S. Department of Energy about exports, click here.