Bill aims to give Congress time to act.

By Pam Kasey
StateJournal

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation of greenhouse gases from stationary sources would be suspended for two years by a bill introduced Jan. 31 by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and colleagues.
“I’m proud that today we took important action to safeguard jobs, the coal industry and the entire economy as we move toward clean coal technology,” Rockefeller said.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eleven companies were recognized on Friday for excellence in mine reclamation for 2010. The awards were made at the concluding luncheon of the 38th Annual West Virginia Mining Symposium Charleston Civic Center.

CHARLESTON -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today addressed the annual West Virginia Coal Association Symposium, drawing applause from the crowd as he discussed his first piece of legislation, the “EPA Fair Play Act of 2011.”
“I believe it is absolutely wrong – the unbridled power that these agencies have. Or, the power they are exercising because they think they have it,” Senator Manchin said. “It’s wrong not just for West Virginia, it’s wrong for America.”

Annual Event to Feature State Congressional Delegation and Governor Tomblin

CHARLESTON – The 38th Annual West Virginia Coal Association Mining Symposium will run February 2-4 at the Charleston Civic Center.  Topics at this year’s event include environmental, safety and economic development issues. A primary focus of this year’s event will be the recent changes in the U.S. Congress and their potential impact on issues important to the future of our coal industry.

Guest speakers at this year’s event include:

·         Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin

·         U.S. Sen. John D. Rockefeller, IV

·         U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin

·         Rep. Nick Joe Rahall (3rd District – WV)

·         Rep. Shelley Moore-Capito (2nd District – WV)

·         Rep. David McKinley, (1st District – WV)

Logan Banner
by J.D. CHARLES, Staff Writer

The revocation of an approved surface mining permit could have devastating effects on Logan County and all of Appalachia if it sets a precedent, a Logan County official is warning.

Rocky Adkins said that there is more in the balance than just 250 good paying mining jobs and coal severance taxes.

Adkins said only surface mining operations in West Virginia, Kentucky and other parts of Appalachia have been singled out by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Obama administration and that West Virginia — in particular — has been hit hard by how the current EPA administration has chosen to interpret laws regarding the Spruce Mine permit.