Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released a statement on Friday warning West Virginians that potential coal regulations cloud any optimism for the Department of Labor’s recent unemployment report that indicated a minor employment boost in June.
Capito said the 195,000 new jobs added in June reveal a glimmer of hope for the U.S. economy but that coal-rich states like West Virginia should be “very concerned.”
“Just last week, President Obama announced a renewed plan for his war on coal that could disenfranchise our state,” Capito said. “His regulatory agenda would not only cost West Virginians jobs, but it would deliver a severe blow to our nation’s economy and any hopes of becoming energy independent.”
The White House released a series of executive orders addressing climate change in June. The rules heavily target carbon dioxide emissions released from coal-fired power plants.
President Barack Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to work closely with states, industries and other stakeholders to establish carbon pollution standards for both new and existing power plants. He said his plan would reduce domestic carbon dioxide emissions by 17 percent by 2020.
West Virginia is home to more than 20 coal-fired plants.
“Sadly, instead of moving our country forward like he once promised, the president has decided to turn the lights off in states like West Virginia,” Capito said.