The war on coal continues in Washington with top Democratic leaders in the Mountain State at odds.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin is backing a Republican Resolution of Disapproval against any overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency. The resolution would stop the EPA from implementing the maximum achievable control technology, or MACT Rule, which is one of the most expensive rules in agency history.
"Don't raise electricity rates on consumers who can barley afford their monthly utility bills as it is. Commit to finding a balance between our economic realities and the environment. From the day I arrived in the Senate, I have been determined to stop the EPA's job killing agenda, and this Resolution of Disapproval takes an important step to rein in this out of control agency," said Senator Manchin.
The Senate failed to adopt a resolution to direct the EPA to reconsider how it regulates emissions from power plants.
Representative Shelley Moore Capito released this statement in response to the vote saying, "This is a missed opportunity for the Senate to finally direct the EPA to reconsider its disastrous approach to regulating power plant emissions."
Senator Jay Rockefeller had a different take on the issue, expressing his disapproval for the Senate to consideration of whether to overturn new pollution standards.
"It moves us backward, not forward, and unless this industry aggressively leans into the future, coal miners will lose the most. It's not too late for the coal industry to step up and lead by embracing the realities of today and creating a sustainable future," says Senator Rockefeller.
2 lawsuits filed over runoff from reclaimed mines June 19, 2013 4:55 PM EDT Environmentalists are going after the owners of two more former mountaintop removal mines in West Virginia, hoping to hold them responsible for water pollution from the sites.
4 shot, 3 dead at Kentucky condo shooting June 19, 2013 9:19 PM EDT Louisville police say the shooting that resulted in three deaths and a critical injury at a condominium complex was domestic-related.
Large yacht on truck blocks central Ohio highway June 19, 2013 7:26 PM EDT A large yacht has caused a traffic commotion on land, blocking part of a central Ohio highway during the evening rush hour.
June 13, 2013 Rio Bravo-South Charleston; Pizza Hut-Kanawha City; Fifth Quarter makes the list. Find out who has violations and who gets the Clean Kitchen Award!