Dear Editor,
Climate change is real. We are ushering in an era where extreme weather becomes the norm. Fossil fuels are responsible for climate change. Coal is one of the most polluting fossil fuels contributing to global change.
The coal industry is in steep decline. It is dying. The free market has replaced it with natural gas and renewables. Market forces are moving away from coal. Many economists say this cannot be reversed regardless of what Trump does. Yet, Trump has issued executive orders increasing the use of expensive and dirty coal.
West Virginia has a high concentration of heavy polluting plants. Many people in West Virginia have health issues because of the pollution for coal burning. Yet, our representatives in Washington and Charlestown support the continuing burning of coal.
Most of the utility customers are forced by the state to rely on coal fired power plants. In West Virginia the coal industry wants the state to continue using coal powered plants. It makes no financial sense; even natural gas is cheaper. The coal industry controls this state; it gets whatever it wants. The agencies supposed to regulate the coal industry are stacked in favor of the coal industry.
Miller, Justice, and Capito voted for Trump’s big bad bill. If this legislation is a flop, it is on them, no one else can be blamed. Many experts do not expect any good to come from this bill.
It will cost jobs in the energy industry, raise rates for consumers, and stop construction of renewable energy.
Our representatives in Washington and Charlestown are members of the coal industry or bought and paid for by the industry. West Virginia’s Sen Capito is always looking out for the interests of the coal industry. She wants us to trust her and Trump. The fossil fuel industry will receive tax credits, while the solar and wind industry will lose credits. This could stop investment in renewable energy. Sen. Capito as chair of the Senate Environment and Public works committee worked hard to make sure the fossil fuel industry made out. When the fossil fuel industry wants something Capito delivers. Capito has said this bill reflects Republican priorities. She believes it will give the United States energy independence. Capito claims to look after West Virginia’s interest. She is constantly looking after her coal industry interests. She will do whatever it takes to destroy the wind and solar industries.
Rep. Miller is someone who sold herself to the coal industry. She voted for a bill that will cut funding for clean energy. As long as it is profitable they will continue to pollute. Rep. Miller is all on board with fossil fuels. She is under the delusion that coal will rescue the United States. In reality it weakens America’s energy security, increases cost for the consumers, and result in the loss of jobs.
Washington and Charlestown are siding with the polluting fossil fuels industry. The climate change deniers are in complete control in Washington and Charlestown.
William Bisset
Maxwelton, WV
