Say No to the War on Coal

Floor Speech

Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn President Obama's announcement that he is going to forge ahead with the war on coal. The President's own climate advisor shed some light on the administration's plan for coal when he said, ``A war on coal is exactly what's needed.''

Well, I'm here to tell you that is not what West Virginia or this Nation needs. Not only will these regulations put good, hardworking West Virginians out of a job, but they will drive up the cost of electricity for our consumers at a time when the economy is still so weak.

The President failed to get his environmental agenda through Congress for a reason. Congress recognized the effects it would have on our Nation's economy. Yet, despite our opposition and common sense, the President has decided unilaterally on this job-killing agenda.

By dictating these devastating regulations, the President will shut down existing coal plants and the development of clean coal technology facilities. Not only will his decision hamstring our Nation's ability to become energy independent, but it will prove devastating for American workers and, in particular, for our West Virginia families.

Mr. President, don't turn the lights out on our Nation's economy.

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