Thursday, January 20, 2011
WV Rally Blasts EPA
WEST VIRGINIA....
Thursday, Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and other top elected leaders appeared at a rally in the state Capitol rotunda to criticize EPA for its January 13th decision to revoke a Clean Water Act permit for Arch Coal Co.’s Spruce Fork No. 1 surface mine in Logan County. The agency cited concerns about the mine’s effect on water and wildlife, but state leaders say federal regulators have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for miners. Tomblin says the rally wasn’t about any single coal company or about lobbying for the industry, but was meant to send a message to Washington in relation to the blatant actions of the EPA. House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne, says the agency’s decision has implications beyond Spruce Fork, and, if left unchecked, could create a rippling effect that could stifle the entire coal industry. Acting state Senate President Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, says his chamber had passed a resolution asking EPA to reconsider its decision. Senator Joe Manchin is seeking additional sponsors for a bill he is proposing that would stop the federal Environmental Protection Agency from being able to retroactively rescind mining permits it has already granted. Environmental activists say Manchin should be putting people harmed by air and water pollution ahead of corporate profits. The mine's parent company, Arch Coal, says it will continue fighting the EPA decision.
Thursday, Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and other top elected leaders appeared at a rally in the state Capitol rotunda to criticize EPA for its January 13th decision to revoke a Clean Water Act permit for Arch Coal Co.’s Spruce Fork No. 1 surface mine in Logan County. The agency cited concerns about the mine’s effect on water and wildlife, but state leaders say federal regulators have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for miners. Tomblin says the rally wasn’t about any single coal company or about lobbying for the industry, but was meant to send a message to Washington in relation to the blatant actions of the EPA. House Speaker Rick Thompson, D-Wayne, says the agency’s decision has implications beyond Spruce Fork, and, if left unchecked, could create a rippling effect that could stifle the entire coal industry. Acting state Senate President Jeff Kessler, D-Marshall, says his chamber had passed a resolution asking EPA to reconsider its decision. Senator Joe Manchin is seeking additional sponsors for a bill he is proposing that would stop the federal Environmental Protection Agency from being able to retroactively rescind mining permits it has already granted. Environmental activists say Manchin should be putting people harmed by air and water pollution ahead of corporate profits. The mine's parent company, Arch Coal, says it will continue fighting the EPA decision.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 7:50 PM 
