Energy & Environment

February 14, 2023 by Kelly Allen
Two Big Tax Breaks for the Coal Industry Could Cost Nearly $100 Million, Do Little to Increase Production

Two significant tax breaks for the coal industry are currently moving through the West Virginia Legislature, and together they could cost nearly $100 million in state coal severance tax revenue annually. HB 3133 would enable the state’s coal producers and processors to reduce their severance tax responsibilities by 20 percent annually, by allowing them to…

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August 12, 2022 by Kelly Allen
Senate Climate Bill has West Virginia Written All Over It

AP, 95.5WSB - The sprawling economic package passed by the U.S. Senate this week has a certain West Virginia flavor. Read the full article. The package, passed with no Republican votes, could be read largely as an effort to help West Virginia look to the future without turning away entirely from its roots. The bill…

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May 16, 2022 by WVCBP
Appalachian Activists Renew Calls for Federal Climate Action as Time Ticks Away on Current Congress

Huntington Herald-Dispatch - Appalachian climate groups are making another push for federal climate action as time grows short on Congress’ window to pass clean energy and climate legislation before midterm elections that could keep that window shut for the foreseeable future. Read the full article. Forty Appalachian and national organizations signed a letter addressed to…

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May 6, 2022 by Kelly Allen
Allen, Rosser: Congress Must Pass Reconciliation Package (Opinion)

Charleston Gazette-Mail - As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s a good time to take stock of what we’ve learned. Read the full op-ed. A big takeaway from the past two years is that government response matters. From the Paycheck Protection Program to the rollout of lifesaving vaccines, federal investments helped keep families and businesses…

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April 10, 2022 by WVCBP
West Virginians Lead Blockade of Coal Plant That Made Manchin Rich

Common Dreams, Raw Story, Salon, Scheer Post - Organizers of the "Coal Baron Blockade" protest which targeted right-wing Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin's coal empire Saturday afternoon reported that state police almost immediately began arresting campaigners who assembled in Grant Town, West Virginia. Read the full article. "Sen. Joe Manchin's policies hurt poor people and hurt our…

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March 8, 2022 by Kelly Allen
Public Hearing Highlights Concerns About Bill that Would Set Up Mining Mutual Insurance Company with $50M in Taxpayer Money

Charleston Gazette-Mail - A bill nearing passage in the West Virginia House of Delegates that would set up an insurance company with $50 million in taxpayer money to provide alternative bonding for coal mine operators drew opposition from nearly all speakers at a public hearing Monday. Read the full article. Environmentalists and other concerned citizens…

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January 12, 2022 by WVCBP
Lawmakers Promised to Help West Virginia’s Coalfield Communities. As the Session Begins, Their Plan for Doing So Remains Unclear

Mountain State Spotlight - Last summer, House of Delegates leaders from both parties announced a key new panel of lawmakers they promised was “dedicated to developing proposals to help revitalize West Virginia’s communities.” Read the full article. The group traveled the state, hosting meetings and asking residents for ideas on how to help communities struggling from the…

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