8/25/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today expressed his deep disappointment in remarks made by Congressman John Conyers as he bashed West Virginia's history of coal mining.
Filling in for EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, Conyers gave keynote remarks today at the opening session of the U.S. EPA's 2011 Environmental Justice Conference.
"It is a sad day indeed when a congressman such as John Conyers attacks our State, our people, and a resource that not only has powered our Country but must also continue to play a significant role in the economic health of our economy. It is difficult to understand how Representative Conyers could make such statements as he admitted that he had a 'limited understanding' of clean coal technology and thus its potential impact to create energy independence for our nation," said Gov. Tomblin. "It is hard to believe that Representative Conyers would suggest that an entire industry be 'shut down,' with his first-hand experience in representing Michigan, a state that has seen significant hardship brought on by the recent collapse of the auto industry."
Instead of using the Washington mindset that we must tear each other down to succeed, we should work together to develop sensible solutions to keep America as the leading nation in the world. In that vein, Gov. Tomblin indicated that he would welcome the opportunity to show Representative Conyers all that West Virginia has to offer, including the positive impacts of mining as well as the diversity of businesses and other industries that power the economy of West Virginia and our nation.
Contact Information
Jacqueline Proctor
304-558-2000