In the course of our research into the very real technologies which exist, technologies that would enable us to convert our abundant coal into the liquid fuels we grow increasingly short of, it has been brought to our attention that coal conversion industry is being assertively promoted and supported by at least one active participant in West Virginia's State Government.
Weirton, WV's, own Delegate Pat McGeehan has been personally researching the science of coal conversion; has, we believe, visited some suppliers of coal conversion technology; and, most recently, posted the following and attached letter to West Virginia's Department of Environmental Protection, urging approval of the TransGas Coal-to-Liquid facility, about which we have reported, proposed for construction in southern West Virginia.
We will not append comment, but, as a forward, make note, especially, of Delegate McGeehan's statement:
"Coal-to-Liquid technology represents the future of industry in our state."
We could not agree more, but would, in fact, expand the statement to read: "Coal-to-Liquid technology represents the future of industry in our Nation."
Everyone in US Coal Country should heed Delegate McGeehan's words; and, they should be grateful to him for the assertive pursuit of his duties in the support of coal technology, of West Virginia, of the entire United States of America.
(Letter reproduced with permission.)December 14, 2009WV Department of Environmental Protection
ATT: Secretary Randy Huffman
601-57th Street
Charleston, WV 25304Dear Secretary Huffman,This Thursday, your department will hold a public hearing in Mingo County to review a permit for the Coal-to-Liquid facility proposed by TransGas. In my mind, this is the most important decision facing your government agency, as the result will determine the success of this facility—I strongly urge you to grant this permit in a speedy manner.Coal-to-Liquid technology represents the future of industry in our state and I have dedicated the past year of my life to bring a facility like the TransGas project to my own district in Weirton, WV. I have flown to multiple destinations around this country in order to recruit investors and entrepreneurs in this field, and I have also spoken with TransGas officials. I am confident their investment will perform well in our state.Furthermore, the construction of such a plant truly brings a new era to the Mountain State and will help West Virginia turn the corner on the global recession we all face. With the implementation of this technology, we bring innovation to West Virginia—innovation which will produce thousands of jobs for our residents and open the road to economic prosperity.For decades, the American steel industry has been in decline and the city of Weirton has suffered the consequences—ranging from mass unemployment to increased poverty. With little employment opportunity, our children have been forced to leave behind their families and the Mountain State altogether. As our economic conditions worsen, our population continues to dwindle and side-effects are increasingly seen, such as poorer education and increased crime rates. Naturally, the generation of investment is one crucial way we can indirectly combat these negative results.Finally, not only will Coal-to-Liquid technology usher in economic prosperity for the foreseeable future, but it will also place West Virginia cities on the “national map”. We have a comparative advantage in coal energy and these new methods of utilizing this advantage will help decrease the value our nation places on foreign oil—one of the prime threats to our national security and sovereignty.The implementation of this investment in Mingo County will not only help this region of West Virginia, but the success of this project would most certainly pave the way for others, including my own project for Weirton. I urge you to pass this permit with due haste, as the future of our state’s economy may rest with your decision.Sincerely,
Delegate Pat McGeehan