Rep. Jenkins Testimony For Office Of Surface Mining Hearing In Charleston

Statement

U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) submitted testimony for the record at today's Office of Surface Mining public hearing in Charleston on the proposed stream protection rule. The stream protection rule is also known as the stream buffer zone rule.

"This is a rule in search of a problem. This rule is unnecessary and counterproductive. West Virginia has already lost more than 7,000 good-paying coal jobs since 2011. This is not an effort to protect streams -- it's an effort to regulate coal mines out of business," he said in the statement.

Rep. Jenkins is unable to attend in person due to votes in Washington, but his Field Representative Chad Story will read the testimony on his behalf.

The congressman's testimony as prepared for the record is below:

"West Virginians care deeply about the quality of our forests, our streams and our air. But the reality is, the stream protection rule is not designed to protect the environment -- it is designed to restrict and regulate the coal industry until it goes bankrupt.

"This is a rule in search of a problem. This rule is unnecessary and counterproductive. West Virginia has already lost more than 7,000 good-paying coal jobs since 2011. This is not an effort to protect streams -- it's an effort to regulate coal mines out of business.

"Like other rules from this administration, this rule is a job killer. One analysis of the jobs impact -- conducted by OSM itself -- showed that an additional 7,000 coal miners could lose their jobs across the nation due to this proposed rule. Other studies predict far more devastating impacts, with job losses reaching almost 80,000. If this administration has its way, there won't be any coal mining left to regulate.

"It's not just coal miners and coal jobs that will be lost. Closed coal mines mean less tax revenue for our cities, towns and counties. In Mingo County, the drop in coal severance taxes means the county had to eliminate its public transit system and cut funding for fire departments. In Nicholas County, 24 county employees have been laid off, including four law enforcement officers.

"Companies that supply the mines are also feeling the effect of the war on coal. White's Armature Works in Logan County repairs electric motors for coal miners. In the past two years, White's has laid off 10 percent of its employees as coal mines halt production.

"The stream protection rule would also raise energy costs on families, seniors and businesses. America's coal provides the lowest cost and most reliable source of electricity. We have a vast, domestic supply that can power our nation for generations to come. Under this rule, households and businesses will pay more for less reliable and more volatile energy.

"West Virginians are proud people. West Virginians want to put in a hard day's work for a good day's pay. We need more good-paying coal mining jobs, not regulations that destroy them.

"I remain deeply opposed to the stream protection rule and thank you for your time and consideration today."

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