Health care is getting everyone’s attention on Capitol Hill, and Gov. Joe Manchin says he understands that, but West Virginia’s chief executive expects a face-to-face chat soon with President Obama on coal.

Specifically, so Manchin can present West Virginia’s case for accelerating 23 delayed mining permits.

“As you know, health care has been on the front burner,” Manchin said Monday, after alighting from a helicopter in a field beside Shady Spring Middle School.

“But I think we’ll be moving in this arena pretty quickly. We’ve been in communications. I think it’s imperative that we’re on the same page.”

Manchin called it “imperative” that Obama and his top aides understand the economic significance of coal.

In that regard, the governor said he has turned over a list of governors — Republican and Democrat — who expect a negative impact on their states if the coal industry is restricted through regulation.

Altogether, 79 mining permits are being held in abeyance by the Environmental Protection Agency, 23 of them in this state.

“We want to make sure they have full knowledge,” Manchin said.

“We’re going to take a set of facts and also recommendations, how we can be a part of the fix.”

Asked if he still believes the EPA is bent on wiping out coal mining through regulation, Manchin said he thinks the federal agency is “reaching further than what the intention of their responsibilities or duties lie.”

Manchin said it is baffling how anyone could come to West Virginia as an outsider and dish out advice, unaware of the challenges the state faces, many of them unique and difficult for those not living here to comprehend.

“We don’t have the flat land,” he said. “We’re not blessed with all the things they take for granted.”

Manchin predicted the state’s economy and revenues would “absolutely” suffer if the mining permits are held up much longer.

“Right now, it’s an economic downturn, so we have stockpile,” he said.

“If this economy turns around, we’re going to be prepared to be back on the front line. With the restrictions being placed, we’re not going to be able to keep this nation as secure and independent as it should be with the fuel that we have to offer. That’s really the message I’m trying to get across.”

Manchin agreed the state and nation need improved energy laws, and pointed out he moved in that direction this year with an energy portfolio and post-mining land use bills.

“We’re doing everything we can in a progressive way,” the governor said.

“We’re not standing back and just waiting for someone else. We’re not cursing the darkness. We’re lighting candles and trying to make it better.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com