Several anti-mining activist groups filed a 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue (NOI) with the federal Office of Surface Mining (OSM) earlier this week, alleging the agency has failed to take federal oversight action with regards to the West Virginia mining regulatory program.  

The NOI contains several allegations of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s (WV DEP) failure to properly enforce and administer its federally-approved state mining program which would trigger OSM’s duty under the federal Surface Mining Control & Reclamation Act to implement a federal regulatory program for West Virginia and/or undertake direct federal enforcement of the approved state program.

On Monday, March 23, 2015, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) will chair a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) field hearing in Beckley, West Virginia. The field hearing, “Regional Impacts of EPA Carbon Regulations: The Case of West Virginia,” will examine the impact of EPA carbon regulations in the nation’s second largest coal-producing state and will feature testimony from state and national witnesses.

WHO: 

·         U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chair, EPW Committee’s Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee,

·         U.S. Congressman Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) Witnesses:

·         Eugene M. Trisko, Attorney at Law on behalf of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Berkeley Springs, West Virginia;

·         Charles Patton, President and Chief Operating Officer, Appalachian Power Charleston, West Virginia;

·         Chuck Farmer, President, Rouster WRR Mabscott, West Virginia

WHERE: 

·         Burnside Ceremonial Courtroom Raleigh County Judicial Center, 2nd Floor 215 Main Street Beckley, WV 25801

WHEN:

·         Monday, March 23, 2015 9:30 AM

NOTE: 

Members of the media who plan to attend should contact Amy_Graham@capito.senate.gov  or 202-306-0735. Please note that media are required to display current press credentials. Press set-up begins at 9:00 AM. Members of the media are invited to a post-hearing media availability with Senator Capito.

At long last WV DMV has released the Friends of Coal Motorcycle license plate application which can be found at www.friendsofcoal.org.  The initial fee for the plate will be $56.00 with a annual renewal of $31.00.  Instructions for completing and submitting the applications are on the second sheet of the download.  Act fast and get a low license plate number.  If you have questions or need assistance give Sandi a call at 304.342.4153 or e-mail:  sdavison@wvcoal.com.

At long last WV DMV has released the Friends of Coal Motorcycle license plate application which can be found at www.friendsofcoal.org.  The initial fee for the plate will be $56.00 with a annual renewal of $31.00.  Instructions for completing and submitting the applications are on the second sheet of the download.  Act fast and get a low license plate number.  If you have questions or need assistance give Sandi a call at 304.342.4153 or e-mail:  sdavison@wvcoal.com.

The historic 2015 Regular Legislative Session was adjourned sine die on Wednesday afternoon, following approval of the budget.  This year’s Session was truly historic with Republican leadership for the first time in more than 80 years and the first time that party had led in our current Capitol Building.  It was further notable for the unusually high number of bills passed that were positive to our members as well as businesses and industries across the state.