SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 50
(By Senators Tomblin (Mr. President), Boley, Bowman, Browning,
Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Edgell, D. Facemire, K. Facemyer, Foster,
Green, Guills, Hall, Helmick, Jenkins, Kessler, Laird, McCabe,
Minard, Oliverio, Palumbo, Plymale, Prezioso, Snyder, Stollings,
Sypolt, Wells, Williams, Yost and Fanning)
Recognizing the importance of the coal mining industry in West
Virginia and requesting West Virginia's congressional
delegation to support the coal industry.
Whereas, The Legislature works tirelessly to improve the
quality of life for the citizens of the Mountain State; and
Whereas, Coal mining has been, and continues to be, one of the
primary industries responsible for the economic success of West
Virginia and its citizens; and
Whereas, Before the national economic downturn, severance tax
collections from coal were at record levels, contributing to a
budget surplus at the state and county levels; and
Whereas, All 55 counties continue to receive a local share of
coal severance dollars to support county, local and municipal
budgets; and
Whereas, County governments and county school systems
throughout the state rely on the taxes from coal companies and coal
miners to fund many valuable programs, including public education, ambulance services and law enforcement; and
Whereas, Thousands of West Virginians are employed, either
directly or indirectly, by the coal mining industry which generates
payrolls totaling over $2 billion; and
Whereas, The loss of any of West Virginia's coal mines and the
loss of any mining-related employment ultimately results in
significant harm to all West Virginians; and
Whereas, Surface coal mining, including the practice of
mountaintop removal, currently represents forty-two percent of the
total coal production in West Virginia; and
Whereas, Engrossed Senate Bill No. 375 provides for master
land use plans to be developed in all counties where surface mining
takes place, with greater focus provided by the Coalfield Economic
Development Office on renewable and alternative fuel sources,
highways and residential areas; and
Whereas, Actions and inactions by federal regulatory agencies
which have had the effect of closing surface coal mines are more
frequent and result in the loss of hundreds of mining and other
jobs in West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the importance of the coal
mining industry in West Virginia and requests West Virginia's
congressional delegation to support the coal industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate supports the continued mining of coal in West Virginia, including surface mining by all
methods recognized by state and federal law, and is prepared to
cooperate with all federal agencies in an effort to resolve quickly
any outstanding issues which are preventing the mining of coal and
which are contributing to the loss of jobs in West Virginia; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate requests West Virginia's
congressional delegation to make every effort possible to assist in
securing the needed cooperation from federal agencies to allow the
continuation of the mining of coal and to protect the jobs of coal
miners and others who derive their employment from the coal
industry; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Coal Association and
West Virginia's congressional delegation.