By Mannix Porterfield
A state senator who once worked as a coal miner hailed the Environmental Protection Agency’s to approve a Patriot Coal Corp. permit, saying Tuesday he hopes the decision paves the way to clear a logjam of other pending mine applications.
The EPA resolved the conflict over the New Year’s weekend in talks with both the company and Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va.
At stake were some 500 jobs in the Hobet mining operations of Patriot, spread in Logan and Lincoln counties.
Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone, who represents the two counties where the mine operation had been stalled, one of 23 permits in limbo, said the breakthrough came because of hard work by both the firm and the EPA.
“The result of their diligence is a win for all sides,” Stollings said.
“Patriot Coal was able to reduce its mitigation costs and the EPA was able to minimize the environmental impact without sacrificing jobs. These miners and their families have a level of security now that wouldn’t exist had all parties decided to just slug it out forever in the court system.”
Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., who also was in touch over the recent holiday with EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, said Patriot should be lauded for working in good faith with the federal regulators to resolve the gridlock at Hobet operations.
“This means that a great many hard-working West Virginia families can have peace of mind during these difficult economic times, and that is what matters most,” he added.
While likewise welcoming the Patriot decision, Gov. Joe Manchin and Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., plugged for continued efforts to develop clarity and certainty in ruling on mine permits.
“Energy independence remains a top issue for our nation,” Manchin said.
“West Virginia has produced the energy needed to get this country through two world wars and a Great Depression, so I am confident that Wet Virginia will continue to be a major player in our nation’s energy future.
“My administration will continue to stand up for our coal miners and their families. Our state’s future depends on theirs.”
Capito termed the Hobet decision announced last weekend by Rahall an important step but said all stakeholders need to strive toward clarity to improve the process.
“This issue is not about one individual mine, but about laying a clear foundation on which all miners and mine operators can build upon as they navigate the complex federal bureaucracy,” she said.
Capito said she hopes the Hobet breakthrough can serve as a pattern for resolving the Spruce Mine gridlock of Arch Coal and other stalled permits.
“We must have cooperation between state and federal officials to protect West Virginia jobs and strike an appropriate balance between environmental protection and economic development,” she added.
