4/4/2008
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Manchin was out of town on a previously scheduled business trip today but spoke by mobile telephone with representatives from today's protest and issued this statement after their teleconference:
"I know the cost of fuel is affecting West Virginia's truckers and the entire state and I fully understand the independent truckers' frustration. West Virginia cannot afford to be without their critical services.
"We should be strategically working together to push toward a national energy policy. For several years, I have been pushing hard for our federal representatives and the president to move toward energy independence.
"I will ask President Bush to release some of the strategic petroleum reserve to help stabilize the current cost of fuel. But we also need to understand that this would be a short-term bandage.
"The key is that we've got to get the federal government to understand the urgency of this issue.
"As I meet with other governors next week, I will encourage them to join with us in getting the attention of the federal government."
Contact Information
Jama Jarrett or Melvin Smith
304-558-2000