Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Coal-state lawmakers form House Coal Caucus

Six U.S. representatives from coal states have joined to form a bipartisan Coal Caucus. Republicans Shelly Moore Capito (W.Va.), Denny Rehberg (Mont.), and John Shimkus (Ill.), are joined by Democrats Jason Altmire (Pa.), Tim Holden (Pa.), and John Salazar (Colo.), in the group, says a news release from Capito's office. Salazar is the brother of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, whose department regulates surface coal mining. The six members are inviting other members of Congress to join them.

"Coal is a critical component to our nation's energy future," Capito said in the release. "Whether it's on a cap-and-trade bill or on clean coal technology, this caucus will give coal-states a forum to highlight their priorities and present a unified voice. I'm proud to join my colleagues in forming this caucus and I look forward to our work together." Altmire added, "As a Congress, it is vitally important that we continue to support the development of clean coal technologies. I am proud to help launch this caucus, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to help enact policies that will maximize America's coal resources." (Read more)

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