Clewett, a Lexingtonian, accused Mongiardo, who hails from Perry County, of being misguided in his vision for his home and being "willing to use his political muscle to have his way."
As a native of Leslie County, I reject the Sierra Club's vision for my home. The coal industry provides my family and the families of thousands of workers with interesting and challenging jobs that pay well.
Readers' views
Lexington Herald-Leader written by Greg Feltner
Rick Clewett, co-chairman of the Cumberland Sierra Club political committee, in a recent op-ed piece criticized Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo for his efforts to develop the natural resources, economy and tourist trade in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
Clewett, a Lexingtonian, accused Mongiardo, who hails from Perry County, of being misguided in his vision for his home and being "willing to use his political muscle to have his way."
As a native of Leslie County, I reject the Sierra Club's vision for my home. The coal industry provides my family and the families of thousands of workers with interesting and challenging jobs that pay well.
The economic benefits of mining ripple throughout our economy, and the development made possible through coal mining and severance taxes have made Eastern Kentucky a far more accessible, prosperous and modern place to live. Those of us who work in the coal mining industry are proud of what we do.
The Sierra Club spends millions of dollars each year to lobby and employs, directly and indirectly, legions of lawyers who fight new power plants and permits for new and existing mines, to the point that development of these valuable projects reach a standstill.
Clewett and his cronies have flexed their muscle, and Eastern Kentucky's workers will suffer.
William Gregory Feltner
President and General manager
International Coal Group
Hazard, KY