Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, is joining the rest of the politicians trying to put pressure on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to speed up their decision on mining permits.
He wrote yesterday to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. Here’s his letter:
Dear Administrator Jackson,
Recent decisions by the federal EPA concerning reconsideration of national and regional coal mining permits, policies and procedures have unquestionably
shaken a large number of West Virginians, and their state government. Emotions are running high, plans have been frozen and planning is, for the moment, out of the question, as we await the completion of the legal process and an ultimate decision from you and your agency. We have every right to wonder and worry if coal mining will be a part of our future as it has been a part of our past.
In view of the state of limbo the industry and those who depend upon it seem to be occupied with at this time, it appears to me and a great many others, that one of the things you and the EPA could do, is to make an expedient decision. To prolong an outcome serves only to extend the pain already being endured by our citizens, and delay the progress we must make as a state. This has an impact on those on both sides of the issue. Whatever the result, all parties involved will need time to make plans about whatever steps will become necessary, once that decision has been reached.
As a State Senator representing a coal mining district, I am keenly aware of the high stakes at risk regarding this historic decision. No constituent will come through this unscathed and unaffected. It is of the utmost importance that this situation be resolved not in a matter of weeks, but days. It is my fervent hope you will agree and take whatever measures at your disposal to move quickly on this issue.
You have my kindest regards and best wishes for a successful administration.
Sincerely,
Earl Ray Tomblin
Senate President – Lt. Governor
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Earl Ray Wannabegovernor Tomblin!
Mine Employment
Underground
Jan 14,258 Aug 9,134 = [b]-5,124 -36%[/b]
Surface
Jan 6,281 Aug 2,237 = [b]-4,044 -64%[/b]
WV State Web site posted 10/15/09
This does not include truck drivers, contractors, gas station attendants, pizza delivery drivers, and on and on.
Think this is not real. Think again. Now what do we do all you anti-coal folks.
You can say this time its the economy but these are the kind of numbers that will be for ever if you get your way. So what do these folks do?
I wonder if a quick decision is in the best interest for WV. If the Clean Water Act is followed, as it is in 49 other states, there might not be any MTR work ever again unless the companies find something else to do with the fill.
While abiding by the CWA sounds like it may end MTR, maybe the coal industry could follow the original intent of mining law and put Approximate Original Contour practices in place.
Naw, that would create too many jobs.
Then again, maybe the Senate, with Mr. Tomblin’s lead, could actually represent the people of West Virginia, not just the industry, and objectively legislate rules and reg’s for mining that meet the needs for clean water of the people of this state while insuring conformity with federal Clean Water regulations.
I know its just easier for these elected officials to roll over and let the federal EPA to do their work. But in a more perfect world, our state legislators would not have let this issue get so out of hand.
If there is any uncertainty about regulating coal, my blame falls on the legislature.
Mr. Tomblin should man up and take charge. It is what a rational man would do….
[...] state Senate President Earl Ray Tomblin, D-Logan, who warned the U.S. EPA in a letter last month: It is of the utmost importance that this situation be resolved not in a matter of weeks, but [...]