Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

Tomblin to weigh options before deciding on response to Clean Power Plan

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s too early to tell if West Virginia will decide not to comply with the provisions of the federal Clean Power Plan, a spokesman for Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Tuesday.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin

“I think it is fair say that the governor will consider all options and listen to folks, but at this point, the next step for the administration is for the DEP to do some real hard work and look at these numbers,” Tomblin Communications Director Chris Stadelman said.

The Clean Power Plan, finalized Monday, requires states to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants by some 30 percent over 15 years. The states have to use certain building blocks to reach those numbers. Several states have already said they won’t comply.

“I think that is a great option for many states and I hope a lot of states will do it,” American Coalition of Clean Coal Electricity Mike Duncan said Tuesday on MetroNews ‘Talkline’.

West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney also hopes Tomblin decides not to comply.

“We hope he will join with the other states. We hope a lot of states will do it because I think that’s the most compelling effort to be made to the federal government,” Raney said.

The governor did call the requirements of the Clean Power Plan “unattainable” in a statement released Monday.

A new state law passed by the Republican-controlled legislature requires any state response to go before them first. The law gives the DEP a 6-month deadline. The clock is ticking, Stadelman said.

“The DEP will do a feasibility study to figure out how realistic is it to even submit a plan and if we submit a plan what would it look like,” Stadelman said. The federal EPA has said states that don’t comply will have plans submitted for them through the federal government.

Duncan’s pro-coal group is already trying to get a federal court to put a hold on the Clean Power Plan.

“Stop this process until we can fully litigate it because there is so much impending problems that are going to occur,” Duncan said.

Impacts on West Virginia would include severance and property tax revenues, employment and other ares, Stadelman said.

“We know if would involve significant disruptions to our employment base and our tax base,” he said.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm