Rahall Statement in Support of UMWA's EPA Protest

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-W.Va.) voiced strong support today for the United Mine Workers of America protest at EPA's headquarters in Washington, D.C. over the proposed rule that would limit carbon emissions from existing power plants.

"This EPA won't even come to the coalfields to hear directly from those most impacted by its job-killing proposal. That's wrong, and it shows a callous disregard for the livelihoods of families, the bottom lines of businesses, and the vitality of communities across West Virginia. I'm hopeful this protest will wake up the EPA and force it to face reality--a reality in which communities, jobs, and lives in the coalfields and beyond are being hurt. EPA needs to get outside Washington and come to West Virginia to fully explain their actions and hear about the very real, negative consequences of what they are proposing to do," said Rahall.

In June, a week after President Obama and the EPA announced the new proposed rule that would set caps on carbon emissions from existing power plants, Rahall introduced a bill to stop it. The legislation would terminate the new rule for existing power plants, along with the proposed rule for future power plants.

Last month, Rahall urged West Virginians to take advantage of the newly extended deadline for public input on the EPA's proposed rule. The EPA has moved its deadline for public comment from October 16, to December 1, 2014, giving citizens an additional 45 days to weigh in. Rahall has slammed the EPA for avoiding holding hearings in West Virginia and other coal-producing states expected to be hard hit by the rule.

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