Governor Joe Manchin says if EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson isn't in a cooperating mood, they'll go straight to the top to deal with new surface mining permitting process.
"If they're going to take the stand where, 'We could care less.' That's very, very obstructionist. And we're just going to keep pushing right through,” Manchin told MetroNews Friday.
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito met with Jackson on Thursday to talk about how detrimental delaying surface mine permits is for West Virginia. While Capito says the discussion was cordial, her message didn't seem to sink in. Jackson made it clear the EPA does not have an obligation to take economic factors or jobs into account when it comes to mine permits.
Manchin balks at that attitude.
"They're in a denial. They can't live with us. They can't live without us,” the governor said.
Coal is expected to be the "transition fuel" for the next 30 years to move the country away from its dependence on foreign oil to cleaner technology like hydro, wind and solar energy.
Manchin says if Jackson and the EPA aren't willing to even consider the effects tightening control on permits will have on West Virginia, then there's only one way left to go.
"We're going right to the top,” he said. “And they're all going to understand. We're all in this. You can't destroy the economy for the sake of something you know is not attainable."
Manchin says West Virginia's congressional delegation is on board. And they're determined to get a sit down meeting with President Obama to raise their concerns and remind him the importance of coal to fuel the country.
