West Virginians overwhelmingly believe the state’s coal industry forms the economic bedrock of the state today and in the future, that it is doing a good job in its role as steward of the environment and that through technology the industry will continue to address environmental concerns.
These are the findings of a recent poll commissioned by the West Virginia Coal Association this past summer.
Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “This survey verifies what we have long believed – that state residents value the economic and social contributions of the coal industry in West Virginia.”
“State residents want to see the industry do well and believe technologies will keep the industry and the jobs it provides viable, while maintaining a strong state economy in the process.”
West Virginians overwhelmingly believe the state’s coal industry forms the economic bedrock of the state today and in the future, that it is doing a good job in its role as steward of the environment and that through technology the industry will continue to address environmental concerns.
These are the findings of a recent poll commissioned by the West Virginia Coal Association this past summer.
Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association, said, “This survey verifies what we have long believed – that state residents value the economic and social contributions of the coal industry in West Virginia.”
“State residents want to see the industry do well and believe technologies will keep the industry and the jobs it provides viable, while maintaining a strong state economy in the process.”
Some of the survey findings include:
- Seventy-eight percent (78%) believe the coal industry is the biggest contributor to the state’s economy.
- Nearly three in five (59%) agree the coal industry is the biggest contributor to their local economy. Eighty-six percent (86%) feel clean coal technology is the best way to grow West Virginia’s economy and create jobs.
- Seventy-eight percent (78%) believe converting coal-to-liquid fuel is among the best ways we can reduce the cost of gasoline and become less dependent on foreign oil.
- Seventy percent (70%) believe the Governor and Legislature should promote the coal industry as a means to improve the economy.
- Eighty-six percent (86%) agree the coal industry is doing a better job of protecting the environment than 20 years ago.
“West Virginia’s economy – with a state budget surplus of $90 million and one of the lowest unemployment rates (3.9 percent) in the country – is doing extremely well and the coal industry is a primary reason for that. Additionally, when it comes to energy policy, West Virginians understand the role that coal plays in our state and national energy mix and the bright future it can bring. Both presidential candidates could stand to take a lesson from our people.”
Methodology
Interviewers used a random-digit dialing procedure to interview respondents. The numbers are generated by computer to achieve maximum representation throughout West Virginia and all interviews were conducted by live interviewers. This technique is designed to produce a sample of registered voters that is representative of the entire population in such areas as age, gender, race, and family income. Both listed and unlisted telephone households had an equal chance of being selected in the sample. 601 interviews were completed for this survey yielding a maximum sampling variation of +/- 3.9% at a 95% confidence level. MBE, Inc. conducted the study.
For additional information, contact Terry Headley, Communications Director for the West Virginia Coal Association, at (304) 342-4153.