Latest News

Details

October 15, 2011

H.R. 2273, “Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act” was passed earlier today by the US House of Representatives by a vote of 267 to 14 with all three House Members from West Virginia voting in favor of the legislation.

H.R. 2273, introduced by Congressman McKinley, R-WV, relates to the classification of “fly ash” from coal–fired electric generators and preserves its beneficial uses.

An Association briefing paper is attached for your awareness and use.

Companion Legislation is expected to be introduced in the US Senate.

Please notify the Association if you have any questions or need additional information.

Details

October 13, 2011

The West Virginia Coal Association and our partners above believe the passage of H.R. 2273, the Coals Residuals Reuse and Management Act, sponsored by Rep. David McKinley (WV), is vital to the future of the coal industry, electric utilities and every industrial business in this country, as well as every American. Passage of this bill and HR 2018 would effectively rein-in the EPA’s three-year, job-killing assault against America’s basic industries and the millions of Ameri can families who depend on those industries every day.

“America is at a critical moment in its history -- our unemployment rate is over 9% percent and rising. Millions more are underemployed. Millions have lost homes, lost businesses and lost hope. While it is never a good time to destroy jobs, to de- liberately sacrifice jobs at such a time simply to impose a radical political agenda is unconscionable and unbelievable.

“We urge passage of HR 2273 and HR 2018 today! Let’s get America working again!” - Bill Raney, president, West Virginia Coal Association.

Details

October 06, 2011

WASHINGTON—Today, a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in NMA v. Jackson ruled that the EPA has been illegally overstepping its role in the 404 permitting process. Dozens of permits are being held in limbo in the “enhanced coordination” process which the EPA has been using to purposefully delay the approval process.  Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W,Va. Co-Founder of the Congressional Coal Caucus, released the following statement:   “Today’s court ruling reaffirms what we’ve known all along in Appalachia, that the EPA has been overstepping its boundaries in the permit approval process in order to advance an anti-coal agenda.  The EPA has tried everything, from abusing their regulatory authority to issuing “guidance” reports in order to overstep the bounds of its traditional role in the permitting process.  It’s about time the Courts ruled “enough is enough” by reestablishing the Army Corps of Engineers role as the primary permitting authority.

“This is a significant step in our efforts to rein in the EPA which remains intent on rewarding a core constituency that doesn't want any coal mining, no matter the cost to West Virginia or our nation.  I will continue to monitor this important ruling and what it means for West Virginia.”

BACKGROUND

In June, Capito voted in favor of H.R. 2018 which reasserts the State’s role in the permitting process under the Clean Water Act.  The bill restricts the EPA’s ability to second-guess or delay a State’s permitting and water quality certification decisions as well as its ability to issue a revised or new water quality standard whenever a State has adopted and EPA already has approved a water quality standard and prohibits EPA from superseding a water quality certification granted by a State under Clean Water Act section 401.

Details

October 06, 2011

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) today released the following statement after United States District Judge Reggie B. Walton ordered that certain actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to coal mining permits in Appalachia were “unlawful agency actions:”

“This is a victory for the working men and women in the coalfields of West Virginia.  I urge the Department of Justice and this EPA not to appeal this decision.  Know that you are wrong.  The judge has determined on summary judgment that this EPA has engaged in certain ‘unlawful agency actions.’  Now is the time for you to right the wrongs.”

Details

October 06, 2011

The State Journal will launch a new format beginning October 7th which will include a special section dedicated to the coal industry in each and every issue.  There is an opportunity for members of the West Virginia Coal Association to sponsor the page leading into this section and in return, the association will receive the banner placement at the bottom of the adjacent page.  There are weekly and bi-weekly opportunities available for members to gain statewide exposure with business leaders and lawmakers in every corner of our state.  For more information please contact your account representative or Sean Banks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.