Because of the government shutdown, EPA has postponed two of the public “listening sessions” (mentioned above) on its carbon pollution standards that were scheduled for October 15th in Boston, MA, and October 18th in Philadelphia, PA. The sessions will apparently be re-scheduled when the government reopens.
As indicated in Congresswoman Capito’s Resolution, EPA has announced 11 public “listening sessions” across the country – none of which is anywhere near a coal-producing area -- to solicit ideas and input from the public and stakeholders about the best Clean Air Act approaches to reducing carbon pollution from existing power plants.
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., introduced a House Resolution on October 8th declaring that Congress recommends that the EPA hold the NSPS hearing in states "most directly impacted by the potential regulations."
"Failing to have a listening session in West Virginia on a rule targeting the use of coal at our existing power plants is absolutely wrong," Capito said. "Excluding all of the states that rely on coal the most from the listening process smacks of outright arrogance by the agency and is a transparent attempt to avoid hearing opinions that differ from the EPA's preconceived ideas."
A membership meeting is scheduled for Morgantown next Friday, October 18th, beginning with lunch at the Waterfront Hotel. This is our time to hear from the members as it regards issues and concerns as well as letting them know of activities going on at the State Capitol, throughout the agencies and in Congress. We also want to review next year’s legislative program for the industry and seek input on possible candidates for the 2014 election. We also have Jim Truman with Woods McKenzie tentatively scheduled to discuss the current coal market and what the future looks like for West Virginia and Appalachian coal. If his schedule can be worked out, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, would like to also visit to discuss initiatives he is undertaking against EPA’s NSPS proposals for new and existing coal-fired power plants. He has joined with 16 other Attorneys General in an aggressive letter to EPA emphasizing that the states should be in charge of these air quality programs.
A reception will follow the meeting and tickets remain for the WVU v. Texas Tech football game on Saturday. If you’ve not already done so, please let Sandi know you will be attending, which makes sure we have adequate preparations for lunch and the reception. The Association office telephone is 304-342-4153 and the email issdavison@wvcoal.com. We hope to see you next Friday.
FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED ON MONDAY VIA E-MAIL – Bus Locations, Pick-up, etc.
Member companies and the Friends of Coal are joining with other state coal associations, Citizens for Coal, the Logan Coal Vendors Association and Count on Coal for a rally at the nation’s Capitol on October 29 beginning at 11 am.