By Taylor Kuykendall, Reporter - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

During a panel discussion entitled "Obama's No Job Zone," coal industry leaders decried President Obama's energy and environmental policies at the West Virginia Coal Symposium Friday morning.

The discussion opened with Josie Gaskey, director of the Pennsylvania Coal Association. Her state's industry, she said, faces problems from the "overreach" of various regulatory agencies at the federal level.

"These agencies are failing to follow the Administrative Procedures Act in developing guidance rather than regulations," Gaskey said. "They are ignoring statutory and regulatory requirements, including presidential orders."

One of her major concerns, Gaskey said, is the EPA's review of NPDES coal mining permits, resulting in "permanent delays" and significant costs to the industry, including loss of jobs. In Pennsylvania, "nearly 60" of the 160 permits sent to the EPA for review are still awaiting action from the EPA.

http://www.statejournal.com/story/16673314/neighboring-coal-associations-rally-against-obama