Rahall Slams EPA for Ignoring West Virginia; Continues Push Against EPA Rules

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) today joined fellow members of the bipartisan Congressional Coal Caucus to speak out against the EPA's proposed rule that would set caps on carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.

"Coal fuels our economic engine and fortifies our national defense," said Rahall at a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol Building today. "Our energy sector has, throughout time, suffered from ups and downs. We have had tough times in our coalfields before, but this time it's different. This Administration has turned its back on our miners. I stand on the side of our coal miners in telling this Administration and this EPA that we, in coal country, count."

The EPA has been conducting a series of hearings this week -- in Atlanta, Georgia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Denver, Colorado; and Washington, D.C. -- on its proposed carbon emissions rule that would negatively affect the burning of coal at America's power plants.

"The EPA has skipped right over coal country. And, in doing so, the EPA is missing out on the whole truth. We refuse to be overlooked. I will not allow us to be forgotten," said Rahall. "But this EPA -- this biased, anti-coal, geography-challenged EPA -- has no plans to step foot in coal country. I have extended invitations. We all have pleaded and prodded. But that mountain is never coming to us. So, we, from coal country, have no choice but to take our message to the mountain."

Rahall has cosponsored legislation urging the EPA to hold hearings in coal-producing states. He has also supported legislative measures to prevent the EPA from advancing rules that would impose carbon taxes and institute caps on carbon emissions from existing and future power plants.

"We want this EPA to take its proposed regulations on carbon emissions from existing and future power plants back to the drawing board. They are costing our states jobs and will result in higher power bills for families and businesses who cannot afford them. It's time for EPA to remove the earplugs and hear from us. We are supporters of our coal miners and we are not going away," said Rahall.

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