Comments on: A Tough Election Season for the Coal Industry

By: p t Flaherty

p t Flaherty — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:20:23 +0000

I noticed that Tim Murphy (R-PA, representative) tops the list for coal funding and is on the energy committee. Steve O’Donnell will be his opponent this fall and is decent person to boot.
What percent of this coal is shipped overseas? I’d like to find out more about the final destination of the coal mined in this region.
Thanks!

By: Sarah Olesiuk

Sarah Olesiuk — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:45:05 +0000

Hi Ross,

Like you, I was also shocked to see Ford’s name on this list. Earlier in the year I spoke with Ford’s Legislative Aid who focuses on environmental issues. The Aid reacted very positively to the Clean Water Protection Act, legislation that would help stop MTR. I had a meeting scheduled to talk more in depth with Ford’s office about the Clean Water Protection Act after the election, but unfortunately, Ford lost his Senate race and the meeting never occurred. Interestingly, there are Representatives who have cosponsored the Clean Water Protection Act who have also received campaign contributions from big coal. I hope this helps answer your question. Let me know if you need more information.

Thanks for your interest,
Sarah Olesiuk

By: admin

admin — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:34:26 +0000

I was just as surprised, to tell you the truth. But Appalachian Voices’ Washington Liason, Sarah Olesiuk, has spoken directly with his office. I’ll see if she can comment.

-Matt Wasson

By: Ross

Ross — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 20:27:21 +0000

I am curious to See Harold Ford’s name up there: his environmental agenda during the campaign was very agressive and pro-alternative energy. Any comments on this?