WE go to desperate lengths to get the energy we use, and we have been doing it for a very long time now.

But the developed world has had heat, light, air conditioning, washers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, cars, trucks and computers for so many decades now that a dangerous disconnect has developed.

Most Americans don't have any idea where their comforts and conveniences come from, and never give it a thought.

A pair of tall black boots and a lunch pail sat near the altar Sunday at the New Life Assembly church - a memorial to the 29 men killed in the worst U.S. mining disaster since 1970 and a thank-you to those who make their living inside the mountains.

This day, the first Sunday since last Monday's explosion killed 28 workers and a contractor at Massey Energy Co.'s Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, was for many a time to honor the profession. Tears of mourning fell, and arms swayed in worship among the 50 people gathered at the church.

Pastor Gary Williams, who has worked at Massey Energy mines for 18 years, knew many of the victims. On his way to church Sunday morning, he heard Ricky Workman's name among them for the first time.

"I know his child. I know his wife. He's a part of my family. He's a part of my life," Williams said, tears falling. "Over time, our hearts and the emptiness that we have inside will fade away, but I don't never want to forget what happened April 5, 2010."

Benefit for West Virginia Coal Miners

Hosted by Tomahawks Smoke House and Saloon in St. Albans

Sunday April 11th, 1PM

BBQ from 1PM to 2:30PM

Charity Bike Ride to Creekside Cafe

Back to Tomahawks for Live Music

The Cat Daddy's perform at 6PM.

All proceeds go to the families of fallen miners.

The entire membership of the West Virginia Coal Association and Friends of Coal, from throughout West Virginia extend their deepest sympathies and support for the families of those who lost their lives at Montcoal. These miners are part of our family. They are brothers to all of us. This tragedy is felt by all West Virginians, because in a very real sense we are all part of the coal-mining family. It is what we do.

Today, and in the coming weeks, we ask that you join us in praying for those that are injured and certainly praying for the families who lost loved ones in this terrible tragedy. Let this be a time when all of West Virginia comes together to comfort one another. Let us reach out to those that are suffering and help lift their burdens as best our abilities allow us.

EPA action is reckless and arbitrary, shows disregard of impact on people and the economy
 
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association supports today’s decision by Mingo Logan Coal Company to file suit against the federal Environmental Protection Agency over its announcement of intent to revoke the permit for the company’s Spruce #1 surface mine in Logan County.
 
“This decision by EPA is reckless and arbitrary,” said West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney. “It establishes a very dangerous precedent in that it reneges on an already approved permit, something that has never been done previously. In doing so it brings into question the reliability of the entire permitting process and shows an arrogant disregard for the impacts this will have on the state’s economy and its people. We fully support Mingo Logan’s actions to compel EPA to respect the law and follow its own regulations.”