Newsletter: Shelley's Weekly Update - Fighting For West Virginia's Energy Future

Statement

Dear Friends,

The past five years have brought dramatic changes to West Virginia's energy economy, and on Thursday, I spoke about the future of West Virginia energy at the governor's West Virginia: Committed to a Sound Energy Future Summit in Roanoke, W.Va.

Coal jobs are threatened by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is finalizing its new greenhouse gas rule on existing coal-fired power plants. With this unprecedented rule, the EPA has gone far beyond requiring existing coal plants operate as efficiently as possible. Instead, the very framework for this rule is built around shifting the country away from coal.

The federal government has no business picking winners and losers in the energy economy, but that's exactly what the EPA's new rule would do.

President Obama's energy policies have serious consequences for our economy. First, the policies destroy direct jobs in the mining industry. We have seen thousands of layoffs as mines close here in West Virginia and in our neighboring states.

Second, the policies increase energy prices for individuals, inflating electric bills for seniors on fixed incomes and others who can least afford the added expense.

Finally, increased energy prices will make American manufacturers less competitive in the global market.

West Virginia energy holds the promise of American energy independence, but we need policies that embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy. With the turmoil in the Middle East, now is not the time to be saying no to abundant American energy like that produced in West Virginia.

One of the keys to American energy independence is natural gas, which has transformed Northern West Virginia. The transport and export of liquefied natural gas opens up new markets for West Virginia natural gas and creates jobs here at home.

In order to secure West Virginia's energy future, we must implement policies that create jobs, produce affordable energy here at home, and embrace available energy sources.

As I continue to serve as your representative in Washington, I will keep up the fight to pass legislation that will protect the good jobs in this important West Virginia industry. I will fight for American energy production that keeps electricity affordable for our families and our small businesses.

And I will continue to make West Virginia's voice heard during the important debates on energy policies that will shape our state and our nation for years to come.

HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

The Charleston Public Safety Council's Salute to Public Safety awards honor police, firefighters, EMS and 911 operators for outstanding public service. It was my privilege to attend Tuesday's lunceon celebration, congratulate each of the winners and thank them for their work to keep our community safe.

HEROES OF MAIN STREET AWARD

On Thursday, I was honored to receive the Heroes of Main Street award from the West Virginia Retailers Association.

David Broyles, vice president of Calvin Broyles Jewelers, and Bridget Lambert, president of the West Virginia Retailers Association, presented the award on behalf of the National Retail Federation.

Small businesses on Main Streets across West Virginia provide good jobs, invest in our communities and keep our downtowns alive. Shopping at small businesses helps keep dollars in West Virginia and supports homegrown shops and enterprises. As a member of Congress, I have always fought for policies that help small Main Street businesses thrive and grow, and I will continue to work to preserve West Virginia's tradition of entrepreneurship and local investment.

Thank you for reading my weekly e-newsletter, which will resume on Nov. 14. In the meantime, you can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

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