The following is a resolution passed recently by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
On occasion, the Times West Virginian runs guest editorials written by other newspapers or groups other than the newspaper’s editorial board members. Whenever those guest editorials appear, there is always a disclaimer included that says the piece does not necessarily reflect the opinion of our editorial board.
We will not include that disclaimer with the following piece because the editorial board strongly agrees with the chamber of commerce’s resolution.
Be It Known that the Marion County Chamber of Commerce supports the Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security (FACES of Coal) and their efforts to support coal production and the jobs, economic growth and energy security provided by coal mining.
WHEREAS, the links between coal production, economic growth, prosperity and energy security are inextricable; and
WHEREAS, coal is a main source of energy throughout the world and generates half the electricity used in the United States, and even more in the region; and
WHEREAS, coal mining provides more that 88,000 jobs in West Virginia alone; pays wages that are double the average wage in the state; and generates nearly $15 billion in economic output for the state; and
WHEREAS, coal mining is a top leading industry in Marion County, W.Va.; and
WHEREAS, coal mining in West Virginia is balancing the economic needs and environmental expectations of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, coal mine lands are being restored to meet ongoing economic, recreational, educational, transportation and housing needs of local communities and the state; and
WHEREAS the ongoing backlog in Section 404 permit approvals, the lack of transparency in the federal permitting process, and ongoing court challenges to permit applications are jeopardizing jobs, economic opportunity and coal production throughout West Virginia and the region.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Members of FACES of Coal Campaign call upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the President’s Council on Environmental Quality, the West Virginia congressional delegation and other congressional delegations in the region, and the state and local government officials to support coal production and the jobs, economic growth and energy security provided by coal mining by fixing a regulatory system that is frustrating these vital objectives.
— The Marion County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
Opinion
Coal mining industry is vital to W.Va.
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