(Wyoming Mining Association, July 23) – The Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) is inviting Wyoming residents to participate in the biggest coal advocacy event this year. Participants from Wyoming, Colorado and surrounding western states will meet in Denver on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, to send a message to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that western states value affordable energy and viable economies. The event is being held in conjunction with EPA hearings scheduled for July 29-30 in Denver where the EPA will accept testimony on the proposed carbon emission standards for existing power plants.
The EPA continues to propose regulations that punish energy consumers by limiting the use of coal as a fuel for electric generation. In June, the EPA proposed emission guidelines for states to follow in developing plans to address greenhouse gas emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units.
The rule has been described as the largest and most costly rule in EPA’s history. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates the regulation will cost the American economy $50 Billion per year and studies show an average family of four could pay as much as $1,200 per year in additional costs. The rule is an assault on the American people and will negatively impact local, regional and national economies.
“This rally provides an opportunity for people in Wyoming to tell the EPA this ruling has gone too far. The implications are devastating for our country which thrives on affordable energy from coal,” said Jonathan Downing, Executive Director of the Wyoming Mining Association.
“It is time for the voice of those supporting coal to be heard. We need to send a strong message that Wyoming coal jobs are important to our state and affordable power is essential to strong economies,” Downing added. Wyoming provides 40% of the nation’s coal for electricity generation. The industry supports nearly 7,000 jobs and provides over $1 billion in revenue to the state of Wyoming.
WMA is sponsoring complimentary transportation from select communities in Wyoming to allow residents to travel to Denver for the rally. Buses will depart from Gillette, Wright, and Douglas. Additional buses may be added from Casper and Cheyenne depending on interest.
This is a great opportunity for friends and family to join together to support local jobs and the economy. Those who would like to take advantage of the complimentary transportation can send their name to AffordableEnergyRally@gmail.com. Please provide name, city of departure and a phone number. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first serve basis.
The Affordable Power rally is being held in Denver on July 29 at Lincoln Park, adjacent to the Colorado State Capitol from noon to 3 pm. The program will include information presentations on the importance of affordable energy to our nation’s economy and a discussion of implications of the proposed EPA regulations.
The Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) is a statewide trade organization that represents and advocates for 39 mining company members producing bentonite, coal, trona and uranium, as well as one company in the permitting and development process for a rare earth element mine. WMA also represents 129 associate member companies, two railroads and 180 individual members.
