A recent study by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Minority Staff highlighted the economic effect of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing moratorium on coal mining permits in Central Appalachia.  According to the study, nearly 18,000 new and existing jobs and more than 80 small businesses are being jeopardized by the unlawful policy the EPA and the Corps have applied to the 190 permits still awaiting action in mid-May. 

“In Appalachia, we mine one-third of the nation’s coal and are responsible for nearly two-thirds of American coal-related jobs,” Hamilton said.

Bryan Brown, West Virginia coordinator for the FACES of Coal campaign, said, “We need Congress to understand the vital role coal plays in America and its economic impact in West Virginia.  Selective regulation that only impacts coal mining in Appalachia, like unattainable water quality standards and biased legislation like the Cardin-Alexander Bill, will cripple our regional economy and increase the use of foreign energy sources.  We need the public to join us in Washington, DC to send this message loud and clear.”

The gathering celebrating the American coal miner is being held on September 15, 2010 at Russell Park on Capitol Hill. The event begins at 9:30 am with supporters attending from West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Ohio. Anyone interested in attending the rally or joining the bus caravan is asked to call the West Virginia Coal Association at (304) 342-4153.