SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 22
(By Senators Williams, Caruth, Minard, Kessler and McCabe)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
burden of taxes and fees imposed by the State of West Virginia
upon the coal industry.
Whereas, The coal industry is and has been for many years an
integral part of the economic and social fabric of the state; and
Whereas, Whole communities in this state rely in large part,
if not completely, on the coal industry for their continuing
vitality; and
Whereas, The coal industry remains essential to economic
growth and progress in West Virginia and the United States; and
Whereas, Coal continues to sustain our economy and provides
the financial security as future diversity and expansion of our job
base is explored; and
Whereas, Coal can help provide a dependable domestic source of
energy in light of concerns our nation has become dependent on
energy sources from foreign sources that may not be reliable in the
long-term; and
Whereas, It is critical to regularly reassess the burden of
taxes and fees by the State of West Virginia upon the coal industry
as compared to the burden said industry must bear in other coal-
producing states and the overall economic impact of the coal
industry within West Virginia for our economic prosperity and security; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the burden of taxes and fees imposed by the
State of West Virginia upon the coal industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, Said study shall be conducted with the aid
of West Virginia University and Marshall University; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.