[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               STOP THE WAR ON COAL ACT PRESS CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, ``When the work underground stops, everything 
above pays the price.''
  That solemn observation was made by a TV reporter one week ago in 
Boone County, West Virginia.
  News was breaking that two local coal mines were soon going to be 
laying off workers--one preparing to layoff 116 miners in a matter of 
weeks.
  On Tuesday this week, we learned of Alpha Natural Resources will be 
closing 8 mines and laying off 1200 workers.
  I met with the Alpha CEO shortly after the announcement, and he 
lamented the administration's regulatory assault on coal.
  Sadly, the list of layoffs goes on because of the administration's 
``all of the above, but nothing from below'' energy policy.
  Coal is the cornerstone of our economy--estimates suggest that every 
mining job creates an additional 3.5 jobs.
  We are electricity independent--and we want to stay that way.
  Coal is Abundant. Coal is Affordable. Coal is Reliable. Coal is Jobs.
  Today, the House will stand up for jobs, families, and affordable 
energy.
  We must Stop the War on Coal.

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