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.
Doctor shortage to worsen under Medicaid expansion May 22, 2013 2:02 PM EDT The planned expansion of Kentucky's Medicaid program coupled with a push to help the uninsured obtain health coverage will worsen the state's shortage of physicians.
Cleveland fair-housing advocate facing tax counts May 22, 2013 4:20 PM EDT A fair-housing advocate in Cleveland has been charged with tax fraud for allegedly trying to avoid taxes on $500,000 in income and keeping $80,000 in federal taxes withheld from employees.
Latasha Hughes
