Rogers' Statement in Response to Arch Coal Layoffs

Statement

Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement in response to today's announcement by Arch Coal that approximately 750 mining employees were laid off in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia:

"Over the last few years, none of President Obama's efforts to improve the economy and secure our energy future has worked. Unfortunately, he's been all too successful at waging a job-killing war on coal. I am saddened by today's news and the hardship these job losses will place on families and southern and eastern communities, already grappling with high unemployment and tight budgets. There's no question a warm winter, low demand for thermal coal, and cheap natural gas prices have indeed produced setbacks for coal this year, but the Obama Administration has continually kicked the industry while it's down and shown total disregard for the people of our region. Deadlocked mining permits, rule changes, and crippling regulations on power plants are already threatening the future of Appalachian coal. Only once this Administration ends its attacks on Kentucky's mining families and recognizes coal is vital to our country's energy and economic security will we have a chance to recover lost ground."

Rogers has served Kentucky's 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving southern and eastern Kentucky's natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information, visit halrogers.house.gov

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