State of West Virginia secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil
Ben Salango:
Don't turn back on coal miners, but focus on future
Asked if they would devote more government resources to sustain the coal industry or invest in alternative, renewable fuels for the state's future, Salango said he would "never turn his back on coal miners" while focusing on training
in new, other forms of energy. "We have to make sure we're providing other opportunities, providing vocational and technical training to kids in middle school and high school."
"We know there is a life span on coal," Salango said. Justice said Salango saying there is a life span on coal is Salango "throwing in the towel" on coal miners. "I truly believe that coal has a future, a real future,"
Justice said. "Now, it might be diversified ... absolutely. To give up on coal, there's no way Jim Justice is doing that."
Source: Charleston Gazette-Mail: 2020 West Virginia Governor debate
Oct 13, 2020
Bob Wise:
Renew 5-cent gas tax to pay for road-building
We’re going to continue to build roads in West Virginia. Our Congressional delegation has worked overtime to secure funding for Corridor H and Corridor D. And we will complete these roads, and others crucial to our future.
To keep our road building plans moving, I will ask you to renew the 5-cent gas tax. This is not a new tax, but simply continues an existing tax, and that $55 million is necessary to keep our road program going.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to West Virginia Legislature
Feb 14, 2001
Earl Ray Tomblin:
Fight the federal government's war on coal
As long as I am Governor I will continue to fight this administration's war on coal! A few months ago, a federal court agreed with our lawsuit and ruled that the federal EPA had in fact overstepped its authority. I will keep fighting until
Washington recognizes that one of the keys to America's future is the use and promotion of our natural resources. It is a fight from which I will not shrink, and one that I fully expect to win!
Source: West Virginia 2012 State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
Evan Jenkins:
I'm fighting for coal by reducing EPA regulatory burdens
I can fight for coal and I'm fighting for coal by trying to reduce the regulatory burdens.
We cut a billion dollars out of the EPA's proposed budget from the president. I went through the EPA and found that the president was planning to fund a theatrical performance on climate change. We've said, "No."
Source: The Register-Herald on 2018 West Virginia Senatorial race
Oct 27, 2016
Jim Justice:
Lower the severance tax on coal and gas
I truly believe that we ought to tier our severance tax on coal and gas. You know, it's just this simple. And our coal companies are really hurting. And I know a lot about this.
When they're really hurting, we got to step up and help them. And at that point in time, we probably have to step up and lower the severance tax. The same way with the gas.
Source: 2017 West Virginia State of the State address
Feb 8, 2017
Jim Justice:
Lower, and then tier, the severance tax on coal and gas
We ought to tier our severance tax on coal and gas. Our coal companies are really hurting. When they're really hurting, we got to step up and help them. And at that point in time, we probably have to step up and lower the severance tax.
The same way with the gas.But I am telling you, I am not a hog. If we have the bonanza that I think is in front of us with coal--especially metallurgical coals--what if? What if I were to tell you, just this: Think about this for a second.
If coal is $35, whoever is mining that is losing money. Lowering the severance tax on that to 2%, or whatever you want to do, okay, I'm good. There's got to be a sweet spot to where we're back to five.
What if it goes to $200 a ton? What happens?
There's no way that anybody's cost is going to be greater than $80. At this level right here, anybody's profit is $120 a ton. At this point in time right here, this severance tax needs to be 10%. All it would do is lower the profitability to $110 a ton.
Source: 2017 West Virginia State of the State address
Feb 8, 2017
Jim Justice:
Coal miners back work is good; let's have more
Now, we celebrate our coal miners going back to work. We need not to be satisfied with the numbers that we have back today. We need to be sure that those people are some way looked after from a safety standpoint the very best they possibly can--or can
be. But in addition to that, we have got to get more of our coal miners to work. It is an absolute unbelievable thing to travel down through the coalfields and see communities coming back to life. But we got to have more. And then more on top of that.
Source: 2018 West Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Jim Justice:
State's coal can be used for construction instead of fuel
All of us think we can't burn anymore coal because the world is rebelling against that. Ramaco would tell you that coal that coal is too expensive to burn. You're wasting an opportunity when you burn it. I thought they were crazy. What they're saying
is they can make carbon fiber out of coal that is four times as light as steel and twice as strong. They absolutely have a way to do things with coal that can be an alternative use for coal that it would be so perfect for us it is unbelievable.
Source: 2020 West Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Jim Justice:
I truly believe that coal has a future, a real future
On energy: "We know there is a life span on coal," Salango said. Justice said Salango saying there is a life span on coal is Salango "throwing in the towel" on coal miners. "I truly believe that coal has a future, a real future,"
Justice said. "Now, it might be diversified ... absolutely. To give up on coal, there's no way Jim Justice is doing that."
Asked if they would devote more government resources to sustain the coal industry or invest in alternative, renewable fuels for the state's future, Salango said he would "never turn his back on coal miners" while focusing
on training in new, other forms of energy. "We have to make sure we're providing other opportunities, providing vocational and technical training to kids in middle school and high school."
Source: Charleston Gazette-Mail: 2020 West Virginia Governor debate
Oct 13, 2020
Jim Justice:
We should help our coal, gas, and oil companies
You've got to look at tiering the severance tax on oil, gas and coal. I told you this years ago. We should help our coal companies, our gas companies, our oil companies. We should help them in every way to continue to create jobs and to go on and on
all we can. But you know, my family's been in the coal business forever. And I'm going to tell you that when profits rise to levels that are beyond our imaginations, we ought to be willing to step up and pay just a little tiny bit more.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Feb 10, 2021
Joe Manchin III:
Stand up for our coal miners and their families
WV ranks second in the nation in exporting electricity, and most of our coal and natural gas is sent out of state. Despite the fact that half of our nation's electricity is generated by coal, and that our national economy depends on this abundant,
reliable and affordable energy, some want to villainize this resource. We must continue to stand up for our coal miners and their families! We are not asking for a handout. All we're asking for is the permission to work!We are reaching new and better
ways to use our coal. There is a balance to be had between our economy and our environment and West Virginia is leading the way in finding that balance. The world's first successful carbon capture and sequestration project is at AEP's Mountaineer Power
Plant. And plans are moving ahead on a coal-to-liquids project that will use state-of-the-art cleaner coal technology. Through this technology, West Virginia coal will be our primary energy source as we make the transition to the fuels of the future.
Source: West Virginia 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 13, 2010
Joe Manchin III:
No regulation of greenhouse gases by EPA
Gov. Joe Manchin today applauded the efforts of Sen. Jay Rockefeller for his recent support to seek legislation regarding the regulation of greenhouse gases and for supporting the "Resolution of Disapproval," initiated by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
The governor believes that support of the Murkowski resolution is critical to have a viable future in energy and job sustainability, and that the EPA's actions to impose regulations on greenhouse gases could have dire effects on our economy if enacted.
Source: West Virginia 2010 gubernatorial press release
Jun 9, 2010
Joe Manchin III:
I fought for coal in past & will fight for coal in future
The coal industry in West Virginia was another big topic during the debate. Raese said the decline of coal was all because of the Obama administration, which Manchin was a part of.
Manchin disagreed and said he has fought for coal in the past and will continue to fight for coal in the future.
Source: West Virginia MetroNews on 2012 W.V. Senate debate
Oct 3, 2012
Joe Manchin III:
EPA regulatory practices unfairly hurt Appalachian coal
Raese aggressively criticized the Obama administration on coal regulations, and environmental policy. He also wants to cut some federal programs that currently regulate the environment. "The Obama administration has been regulating coal out of existence.
Try to get a permit today, if you can," Raese said. "He doesn't want to burn fossil fuels, he's making coal priced so high that it's not competitive anymore," he said, "I'd like to abolish the Department of Energy, and I would also like to abolish the
EPA. I think they are both redundant."Manchin says all energy resources in the country should be developed, to stop dependence on foreign oil. He says regulatory practices from the Environmental Protection Agency are unfairly hurting
Appalachian coal mining. But he says a balance must be drawn to protect both industry and environmental interests. "There's a balance to be had, the economy and the environment has to work together," Manchin said.
Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting on 2012 W.V. Senate debate
Oct 3, 2012
Joe Manchin III:
No one is going to stop using fossil fuels for a long time
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Joe Manchin (D): Yes. "I believe climate change is real, & that the more than 7 billion people living on this Earth have contributed to its warming,"
Patrick Morrisey (R):
No. "There are many factors involved in the evolution of the earth's temperature."
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support renewable energy?
Joe Manchin (D):
No to regulating greenhouse gases: "No one is going to stop using fossil [fuels] for a long time." But required WV utilities to get 25% of energy from renewable sources by 2025.
Patrick Morrisey (R): No to regulating greenhouse gases.
Led states suing to overturn Obama Clean Power Plan. Opposed renewable energy mandate in ad against a primary opponent.
Source: 2018 CampusElect Issue Guide on West Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
John Raese:
Obama administration has caused decline of coal
The coal industry in West Virginia was another big topic during the debate. Raese said the decline of coal was all because of the Obama administration, which Manchin was a part of.
Manchin disagreed and said he has fought for coal in the past and will continue to fight for coal in the future.
Source: West Virginia MetroNews on 2012 W.V. Senate debate
Oct 3, 2012
John Raese:
2010 alternative energy bill was WV's own cap-and-trade Bill
[Before 2010], then-Governor Manchin seemed desirous to impress the new Democratic President that he was a green energy governor despite being from West Virginia. So he set in motion House Bill 103, which was designed to mandate an increasing percentage
of energy sold in West Virginia to be from alternative energy. Raese called it West Virginia's own Cap and Trade Bill.This trend against traditional energy sources in West Virginia has continued unabated by the Obama EPA, forcing the closure of over
100 coal operations statewide, with the result of lost jobs and state revenue. [After 2010 as a] US Senator, Manchin has seemed unable or unwilling to do much about this devastating blow to our economy, despite his close personal friendship with
President Obama.
John Raese sounded the alarm, demanding that the EPA be made more accountable for their anti-coal bias. Unlike Manchin, Raese could see that a committed liberal like Obama was not likely to change stripes, and he was right.
Source: Huntington News editorial on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Nov 21, 2013
John Rockefeller:
No regulation of greenhouse gases by EPA
Gov. Joe Manchin today applauded the efforts of Sen. Jay Rockefeller for his recent support to seek legislation regarding the regulation of greenhouse gases and for supporting the "Resolution of Disapproval," initiated by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
The governor believes that support of the Murkowski resolution is critical to have a viable future in energy and job sustainability, and that the EPA's actions to impose regulations on greenhouse gases could have dire effects on our economy if enacted.
Source: 2010 West Virginia gubernatorial press release
Jun 9, 2010
Lisa Murkowski:
No regulation of greenhouse gases by EPA
Gov. Joe Manchin today applauded the efforts of Sen. Jay Rockefeller for his recent support to seek legislation regarding the regulation of greenhouse gases and for supporting the "Resolution of Disapproval," initiated by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
The governor believes that support of the Murkowski resolution is critical to have a viable future in energy and job sustainability, and that the EPA's actions to impose regulations on greenhouse gases could have dire effects on our economy if enacted.
Source: 2010 West Virginia gubernatorial press release
Jun 9, 2010
Michael Folk:
Don't fund oil development, but no restrictions on fracking
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of alternative energy?A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for the development of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, oil)?
A: No.
Q: Do you support increased regulations on hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" in the Marcellus Shale?
A: No.
Q: Do you support state funding for improvements to West Virginia's energy infrastructure?
A: No.
Source: West Virginia State 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Natalie Tennant:
Responsible development of Marcellus shale
Q: Marcellus shale regulation will remain a major topic of interest. What are the key issues you see?A: One, I'm frustrated, as are many West Virginians, that it was addressed but not a solution found in the legislative session. I'm disappointed
[because] folks talk about it being a game changer and a gold mine underneath West Virginia. What we need to be able to do is have responsible development. And what I mean by responsible development, if there's more regulations that need to be in play
in terms of serving the communities and making sure the communities are strong in which you're having the drilling, that the environment is addressed, the water is kept safe and the roads are in good shape as they were when the drilling started.
The other aspect comes with the Innovation 20/20 fund--to see some of that money from the severance tax be used for technology and math education to building up our communities in which they were drilled and for really diversifying our economy.
Source: The Register-Herald: West Virginia gubernatorial profiles
Apr 25, 2011
Natalie Tennant:
All-of-the-above energy approach, with priority on coal
Tennant stated that her priority when filling the Senate seat will be addressing the state's struggling economy, and she believes that renewing the state's relationship with the coal industry will prove vital to that effort. "I will stand up to anyone
that tries to chip away at the basis of our economy. Coal is at that basis."Tennant said that she envisions West Virginia employing an "all-of-the-above energy source" in the future. "The vision I have for West Virginia is an economy that is built on
many different job opportunities, whether it's coal, natural gas (or) water. We're not going to replace coal; it is too important. But that doesn't mean we can't have an all-of-the-above approach."
She sees the technology and manufacturing
industries as potential economic winners, and she feels they could play a dual role by serving to facilitate coal's continuing role in the future. "We have to advance coal so it continues to be a strong part of our future."
Source: Beckley Register-Herald on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Mar 2, 2014
Patrick Morrisey:
Fought against clean power rules
The Senate Conservatives Fund on Wednesday endorsed West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's bid for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.The group cited the way Morrisey fought against the Obama administration's clean power rules
and defended the nation's immigration laws.
"Patrick Morrisey is a full-spectrum conservative who will fight for limited government, economic freedom, and personal responsibility in the US Senate," said the president of the Senate Conservatives Fund
Source: Washington Times on 2018 West Virginia Senate race
Jan 24, 2018
Patrick Morrisey:
Led states suing to overturn Obama Clean Power Plan
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Joe Manchin (D): Yes. "I believe climate change is real, & that the more than 7 billion people living on this Earth have contributed to its warming,"
Patrick Morrisey (R):
No. "There are many factors involved in the evolution of the earth's temperature."
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support renewable energy?
Joe Manchin (D):
No to regulating greenhouse gases: "No one is going to stop using fossil [fuels] for a long time." But required WV utilities to get 25% of energy from renewable sources by 2025.
Patrick Morrisey (R): No to regulating greenhouse gases.
Led states suing to overturn Obama Clean Power Plan. Opposed renewable energy mandate in ad against a primary opponent.
Source: 2018 CampusElect Issue Guide on West Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Paula Jean Swearengin:
Need to invest in renewable energy now
The cheap renewable energy economy is coming. If we choose to build it now instead of decades from now, we'll create millions of jobs and free up trillions of dollars from energy costs for other projects.
This will be a huge boon for American workers and this cheap renewable energy will give American businesses a competitive edge. We have a choice: fall behind the rest of the world or build America's cheap, renewable energy economy right now.
Source: 2018 West Virginia Senate campaign website PaulaJean2018.com
Jul 17, 2017
Paula Jean Swearengin:
Federal investment in the renewable energy sector
Q: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? A: We need federal investment in the renewable energy sector. In 2017, renewable energy jobs grew 12 times faster than the rest the our economy.
These products must be built in place and maintained by workers who live right here.
These jobs can't be outsourced or moved out of state. West Virginia is the perfect place to start.
With the coal industry in decline due to mechanization, mountaintop removal requiring many fewer miners, and the competition of cheaper extraction in the natural gas industry, there is a workforce here ready and able to take on the challenge.
Source: Ballotpedia statement for 2020 West Virginia Senate race
Apr 10, 2018
Paula Jean Swearengin:
We must transition from coal, move to clean energy
The very serious question that faces West Virginia today is: What are we going to do when the coal is gone? Paula Jean understands that we must transition from coal. Paula Jean will fight to bring innovative solutions to these age-old problems.
We can learn from successes we see in other states. In Ohio, they've grown a clean energy market that's helped create tens of thousands of jobs.
Source: 2020 West Virginia Senate campaign website PaulaJean.com
Jul 6, 2020
Paula Jean Swearengin:
Congress needs to support the Green New Deal
West Virginians have been impacted by pollution for years. The industrial revolution was built on the backs of Appalachians. Our waterways, mountains and health have paid the price. Climate change is impacting us now.
Congress needs to take it seriously by supporting the Green New Deal, and the Reclaim Act. I'll fight for federal funds to support states like ours.
Source: The Herald-Dispatch on 2020 West Virginia Senate race
Apr 4, 2020
Richard Ojeda:
Coal is going down; politicians need to stop lying
One thing I won't support is a plan that leaves our people behind. But coal is going down. Politicians need to stop lying to people.
I'm working on a plan to make sure every community in America can succeed. Not just the coasts.
Source: Twitter posting on 2020 West Virginia Senate race
Dec 9, 2018
Shelley Moore Capito:
AdWatch: Fights back against Obama's war on coal
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is running an ad this with coal as the subject. The Chamber's commercial backs Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, the seven-term lawmaker who is considered a favorite to capture the Senate seat of retiring Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D).
Capito, according to the Chamber, is "fighting back against the Obama administration's war on coal." The spot, which begins airing Thursday, describes her as a strong conservative who will "stand up for all of West Virginia. She's one of us."
Source: Huffington Post AdWatch on 2014 West Virginia Senate race
Dec 5, 2013
Woody Thrasher:
Praise for ending "Obama's war on coal"
"This week's final Affordable Clean Energy rule shows us that President Trump is committed to reducing red tape and giving states the power to decide what is best for them," Thrasher said. "This commonsense approach is another step forward in ending
Obama's war on coal that crushed West Virginia's economy for far too long. We know how to balance our environment and our economy, and I'm grateful President Trump and is allowing us to return to the world stage as a competitive energy source."
Source: Press release for 2020 West Virginia Gubernatorial race
Jun 20, 2019
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023