This week, Congressman Rogers joined a letter with other coal state Members of Congress to President Obama concerning this Administration’s dismissal of coal as a part of our nation’s energy strategy. The letter outlined the combined effect of EPA regulations which threaten to shutter coal-fueled power plants, close mines, and harm our economy, job creation, and our nation’s energy security.  Four major EPA anti-coal regulations stand to cost Americans $21 billion per year between 2012 and 2020, trigger a net loss of approximately 183,000 jobs annually, and result in a loss of $270 per year in the average family’s income due to higher electric bills.  In addition, EPA has brought the permitting process for Kentucky mining operations to a screeching halt through burdensome and legally questionable “guidance” that threatens the short- and long-term viability of Appalachian coal.

“Southern and eastern Kentuckians are losing jobs and wages over these wrong-headed delays.  Our country needs a pro-growth, pro-coal energy strategy.  Instead, the President’s policies impose onerous, anti-coal and anti-job regulations that will shut down numerous coal plants, close coal mines, and put even more Americans out of work,” said Rogers. “We can’t afford this as a community and as a country.  The President has indicated he supports an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.  If he is serious about developing every available source of American energy, then domestic development of coal, which has not only become cleaner in the past 40 years, but 90% more efficient, needs to be in the mix.  Kentuckians rely on these jobs and Americans rely on coal’s resources- this is a battle we cannot afford to lose.”

Click here to view the letter Congressman Rogers and Republican Colleagues sent to President Obama regarding coal as a part of our nation’s energy strategy.

Last week, Rogers also questioned high-ranking U.S. officials to include EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu about the Administration’s continuous rejection of coal.  On February 28, he questioned Secretary Chu about DOE’s dismissal of much-needed research funding to enhance coal-based technologies, which will be vital for utilities to comply with the burdensome federal regulations.  The next day, he challenged Administrator Jackson to explain continued delays in the permitting process in light of an October 2011 court decision in NMA vs. Jackson, which affirmed that permits must be issued in a timely manner and without impermissible interference from EPA.  Despite this, the EPA has not approved a single individual permit application that it has received from mining operations in Chairman Rogers’ congressional district since 2009.

Last week, Congressman Rogers grilled EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, on the continued coal mining permitting delays. Click here to watch a video of the Q & A.  

Click here to read the Congressman’s opening statement at last week’s hearing on the EPA’s FY13 Budget Proposal

Click here to watch a clip of Congressman Rogers questioning Secretary Chu on coal research funding

Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.

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