The Friends of Coal would like to congratulate Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on his hard-fought victory over GOP challenger Bill Maloney in yesterday’s gubernatorial race. Both men earned our respect for the way in which they conducted themselves in this election. 

While the debate was frank and open on many issues, there were far more areas of agreement than disagreement – on lowering taxes, on creating jobs and reining in an out-of-control federal bureaucracy, but most of all they agree on the importance of coal to the future of West Virginia.

With the election of Gov. Tomblin, our state will continue to move forward, as we sustain the fight against the real issues that confront us and work together to find the answers.  Gov. Tomblin has proven himself to be a strong, capable leader during his time in the State Senate and as Acting Governor.  We are confident, as governor, he will continue the fight to free our state's primary industry -- coal -- from the assault by the Obama EPA. 

We’re anxious to move forward together and take on the hard work of building a better future for our state and protecting our people’s jobs.

The WV Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety has issued a proposed rule purporting to update and revise the state mining law pertaining to hoisting equipment used at underground coal mining operations.  The rule is intended to bring West Virginia’s law on this subject into conformity with corresponding federal law.  A comment period extends to November 6.  A copy of the proposed rule is available from:  chamilton@wvcoal.com

The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary is excited to announce the opening of their new website www.friendsofcoalladiesaux.com which includes an online store. The website gives an in-depth view of the many projects the FOC Ladies Auxiliary is involved with to further enhance the public’s support and continued dedication in educating our citizens about the benefits of the coal industry.   The FOC Ladies Auxiliary also invites you to browse their new online store and hopes you will find that perfect gift for your company, employees, family and friends!

In a ruling released yesterday, a DC federal court judge blasted the EPA for exceeding its authority under the Clean Water Act with its implementation of “enhanced coordination procedures (ECP)” that effectively nullifed the authority of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The ECP has been used to obstruct the timely issuance of hundreds of mining permits in Appalachia since enacted in first months of the Obama Administration in 2009.
Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said this is an important first step in turning back the EPA’s on-going assault on Appalachian coal.

“This ruling is clear and is a vindication that our statements over the past two-and-a-half years are valid,” Raney said. “We are hopeful that a similar ruling will be forthcoming on claims related to the agency’s illegal conductivity guidance.

The State Journal will launch a new format beginning October 7th which will include a special section dedicated to the coal industry in each and every issue.  There is an opportunity for members of the West Virginia Coal Association to sponsor the page leading into this section and in return, the association will receive the banner placement at the bottom of the adjacent page.  There are weekly and bi-weekly opportunities available for members to gain statewide exposure with business leaders and lawmakers in every corner of our state.  For more information please contact your account representative or Sean Banks at sbanks@wowktv.com