Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement after learning that CONSOL Energy will temporarily idle, effective today, its Buchanan Mine in Southwest Virginia:

“With this Administration’s ongoing war on coal, unfortunately, today’s extremely disappointing news doesn’t come as a surprise.  Our economy is struggling.  With current policies, the down economy is not going to improve soon.  Obviously, this means that construction, including items built with steel, have been put on hold.  This Administration has been clear about one thing, it is not serious about using our own energy resources, thus inviting other countries to increase their production of coal.

“As I’ve said in the past, when you have leaders like President Obama and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson who abhor the coal industry, its jobs will inevitably become casualties.  President Obama, his Administration, and his allies – like MoveOn.org and the Sierra Club – are all very clear about their agenda – make using coal history.  Today’s news is just the latest demonstration that this agenda is making gains.  While this news is worrisome, rest assured, the fight for coal and coal miners has only just begun. 

“I believe the American people recognize the unfair burdens this Administration places on coal miners.  I believe the American people stand, not with President Obama, but with the coal miners.  Mining is an honorable profession filled with men and women who are simply looking to put food on their tables, buy clothes for their kids, and provide for their families.  These men and women are proud Americans who work hard.  They don’t ask for handouts, just the opportunity to make a living.  I believe the administrative branch of the federal government and its leaders are arbitrarily and capriciously targeting this profession.  This must stop.  I’m proud to represent these coal miners.  I’m proud to stand with coal.  I will continue to relentlessly fight against President Obama and all those who wage war on the coal industry.”

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