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Details: June 25, 2013

Coal in crosshairs

By CHARLES OWENS
Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — Far-reaching climate change regulations proposed Tuesday by President Barack Obama could have a crippling impact upon southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia, industry officials and area lawmakers warned.

Obama, in a speech at Georgetown University, announced he was issuing a presidential memorandum — and thus bypassing congressional action — in launching the first-ever federal regulations on carbon dioxide emitted by existing coal-fired power plants. The Obama administration blames fossil fuels such as coal on global warming.

Details: June 25, 2013

“In today’s announcement, President Obama called America’s reliance on coal a “mistake”, dismissing the accomplishments of generations of coal miners that have worked to make the United States the greatest country in the world.

By announcing imminent restrictions on carbon emissions from power plants that exceed the capabilities of current technology, this administration will impose bureaucratic mandates with no regard for the people and communities of West Virginia that depend on coal and the inexpensive energy it creates for their very existence and survival.

Details: June 24, 2013

On Thursday, amid West Virginia’s 150^th Birthday Celebration, Alpha Natural Resources dedicated its “state-of-the-art” Running Right Leadership Academy facility, just adjacent to their office building in Julian. West Virginia’s First Lady JoAnne Tomblin was on hand with Alpha Chairman and CEO, Kevin Crutchfield, MSHA Administrator Joe Main, safety officials from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as a number of dignitaries from the three states. The impressive dedication ceremony was followed with tours of the entire facility and its amenities. This culminated nearly two years of planning and construction for the one-of-a-kind facility that has nearly 3.5 acres under roof.

Details: June 20, 2013

Event to thank those who protect and power America

Cabela’s, Wheeling, West Virginia (June 18, 2013) – Cabela’s stores nationwide will honor the contributions of those who serve our country and communities. Cabela’s in Wheeling, West Virginia will also pay tribute to the men and women who work in the coal, natural gas and oil industry by offering employee pricing to all veterans, active duty military and reserves, law enforcement, firefighters, EMS personnel, and Coal and Energy workers beginning Wednesday, June 26 through Saturday, June 29th. The Hometown Heroes event at Wheeling Cabela’s recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who protect and power America.

“Cabela’s values the contributions of our nation’s military and service personnel,” said Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer Tommy Millner. “Making them honorary employees, and extending our employee discount to them as we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, is our way of saying thank you for keeping us safe.”

Details: June 20, 2013

McKinley Defends Coal Exports Against Witness Who Says Coal Should Stay “In the Ground”

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday at a hearing on exporting American coal and natural gas, Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) took on a witness with extreme anti-coal views and pointed out the devastating impact his position would have on the economy of West Virginia and the United States.

“Opponents of coal exports talk about the impact on climate change, but their true goal is to stop using coal,” said Rep. McKinley. “This would destroy thousands of jobs in West Virginia and across the country and send utility bills skyrocketing. Coal exports are critical to the health of our economy.”

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