By Chris Hamilton, senior vice president

West Virginia Coal Association

Albert Einstein once defined insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” and for the past 83 years, the West Virginia Legislature and the United Mine Workers have done just that.   Now, after our Central Appalachian coal production has declined by over 43 percent, numerous coal mines have closed, and thousands of jobs have been lost, Cecil Roberts is advocating for the West Virginia Legislature to just keep doing the same thing.  This is not just recklessness on part of Roberts and the United Mine Workers, it is insanity.

Press Release

POMINC.COM SPONSORS JJCR's Driven 2 Honor: KCA, OCA and WVCoal member Proactive Occupational Medicine, Inc. is proud to be a sponsor and active supporter of NASCAR Camping World Truck Series #10 Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing and her Driven 2 Honor initiative starting at Daytona for 2015.

According to the latest report from the Energy Information Agency (EIA), coal production in the United States rose by slightly more than 500,000 tons for the week ending February 7, compared to the same time last year. Production for the week stood at 18.09 million tons compared to 17.54 million tons for the last week of January, 2014.  For the 52-week period ending January 31, production was also up, to 997.68 million tons from 980.7 million tons last year.

The Executive Committee recently approved three new members who we enthusiastically welcome into our West Virginia Coal family.  We appreciate the confidence of:  Massie Reclamation, Inc. from Ghent WV with Steve & Charlie Massie as representatives; McGriff, Seibels & Williams, an insurance brokerage firm specializing in mining and energy business with Glenn McQuate as representative; and, Dean K. Hunt, Esquire out of Lexington, KY.  We look forward to working with them in many capacities.

Wednesday was the halfway point for this Legislature’s 60-day session and Tuesday was a good day as  SB 357, the Coal Jobs and Safety Act of 2015, passed the full Senate by a 26-8 margin, without any major changes.  This bill contains the mine safety issues (movement of equipment, drug testing changes,  diesel commission repeal,  track within 1,500 feet of face) and the environmental issues (permit as a shield, AL water quality standard rule, permit penalty conformance, inactive status, contemporaneous reclamation and impoundment standards ) of our original Legislative program.  One major amendment was defeated that would have removed any changes to the movement of equipment provision of the bill with a vote along party lines with Senator Art Kirkendoll (D-Logan) breaking stride and voting with the Republicans.  On Wednesday, the Bill was sent to the House and referred to the Judiciary Committee.  It is expected to be taken up by that Committee next week.