REP. JENKINS STATEMENT ON WV v. EPA

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) issued the following statement today on the oral arguments in “State of West Virginia v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency” at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit:

“Coal powers West Virginia. It keeps the lights on. It provides good jobs for thousands of West Virginians. It pays the bills for thousands of West Virginia families. But if the EPA has its way, coal won’t provide for West Virginia any longer.

“The rule the EPA is drafting will decrease our ability to mine, produce and use coal for affordable energy. It’ll raise energy prices and put families on the unemployment line. In fact, coal-fired power plants are already preparing to shut down due to the proposal of this rule. The EPA’s actions pose a great threat to West Virginia’s families, communities, businesses and our state’s economy.

“People in West Virginia are worried. They’re worried that the federal government will take their livelihood away. I hear that time and time again traveling through the Third Congressional District. People want to know what we’re doing to stop the EPA and what we’re doing to stand up for them.

“Today’s hearing gives West Virginians a voice. The EPA continues to overstep its authority in waging a war on coal that threatens the very future of West Virginia.

“I want to commend West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey for his leadership on this issue. I remain optimistic the court will see that West Virginia and our fellow states are right – this rule is fundamentally flawed and must be withdrawn.”