The Associated Press
February 20, 2009 07:48 am
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CHARLESTON — Gov. Joe Manchin is asking coal producers to help West Virginia increase renewable energy production.
Speaking to the West Virginia Coal Association on Thursday, Manchin said mine operators need to support his plan to have renewable energy sources generate 10 percent of the state’s energy needs by 2015 and 25 percent by 2025.
Currently coal accounts for 98 percent of the state’s electrical production.
Manchin told industry representatives that they needed to support the development of wind, biofuels and solar facilities on mine sites.
The governor said by supporting renewable energy, the mining industry will have the credibility to join the national energy policy debate on issues such as global warming.
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