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.”

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.”

As part of an increasing focus on the northern and eastern panhandles of West Virginia, The Friends of Coal will team up with Consol Energy and Cabela’s or Friends of Coal “Miner Appreciation” Days at the Wheeling store on June 26-29.

The event will be part of their “Hometown Heroes” promotion with employee discounts extended to Friends of Coal. If you are an avid outdoorsman, mark June 26-29 on your calendar to join Friends of Coal in Wheeling.

The four-day event will feature a concert by Chris Higbee, live remotes by local media outlets, raffles for door prizes and many other activities.     

The event is part of Cabela’s “Hometown Heroes” celebration, which raises money for Boatsy’s Boxes, an organization that sends gift baskets to our soldiers stationed around the world.

WVCA member, Walker Machinery Company, was among the businesses awarded the Governor's Commendation for International Market Entry last week by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, the West Virginia Export Council and the West Virginia Development Office. This award honors companies that have successfully exported to a new country in the past year. Walker was recognized for doing business with Saudia Arabia, South Africa and Germany. In 2012, West Virginia's exports reached a record high of $11.3 billion. The Governor's Award is a framed piece of currency from each new country to which the recipient began exporting in 2012. Congratulations to the folks at Walker.

The April amendment to the Mandatory Drug Testing Rule under Title 56, Series 19, filed by the WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety became effective on May 21. The amendment added the following provisions to the original rule that was filed by OMHST on December 27th 2012: (1) a breath test for alcohol as part of the substance abuse screening policy and program; (2) a requirement for operators to report individuals who fail a “pre-employment” drug test for purposes of initiating de-certification proceedings; (3) a definition of “serious accident” for purposes of post-accident drug testing; and, (4) established a 0.04% impaired level for alcohol consumption.

A companion rule, extending the reporting and de-certification requirements to all individuals who fail a drug or alcohol test prescribed under state law, was promulgated by the Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety under Title 36, Series 55.  This rule was designed to close a major loop hole in the State's mandatory drug testing program and becomes effective on July 1, 2013.