SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT ON THE EPA
Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, this past Friday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released a report that outlines the economic impact of the EPA's holding up perfectly valid mining permits. This report brings to light yet another example of the EPA's war on coal that threatens our country's economic energy and security.
The report found that 190 coal mining operations are being held up. These mines are expected to produce over 2 billion tons of coal, and 81 small businesses rely on these permits to keep their doors open. The EPA is jeopardizing 1 out of every 4 coal mining jobs and over 162,000 indirect jobs in Appalachia.
Enough is enough. With nearly double-digit unemployment throughout the Appalachian region, the Obama administration should tell its EPA to stop its political attacks on coal. Now is the time to put politics aside so thousands of citizens in Appalachia can return to work.