Press Releases

Congressman Morgan Griffith released the following statement today after learning CONSOL Energy will indefinitely idle the longwall mining unit in its southwest Virginia Buchanan Mine and reduce its continuous mining operating schedule to five days per week:

“Along with many others, I believe the Obama Administration’s war on coal is real.  Since February of this year, CONSOL is the third coal company in our region that has been forced to make layoffs or idle certain operations.  They join Southern Coal Corporation and Alpha Natural Resources. 

 “Unfortunately this news doesn’t come as a surprise.  Coal is under attack from this Administration, and the rest of the world knows it.  Even with exports to China, the demand for American coal is down.   Buyers are now looking to Australia, Africa, and Asia for their coal because they can no longer rely on us as a dependable producer.

“When you have leaders like President Obama, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who despise the coal industry, its jobs will inevitably become casualties.  President Obama, his Administration, Minority Leader Pelosi, MoveOn.org, and the Sierra Club are clear about their agenda – make coal history.  Just last week, MoveOn.org posted a video applauding the fact that since 2010, 100 coal fired power plants have been slated for closure. 

“While the President may continue to tout his desire to create jobs, the simple fact is that his war on coal is causing jobs to go overseas.  A constituent recently told me that he was considering moving to Australia because they are paying top dollar to truck drivers for hauling coal.  After these coal plants are destroyed and the jobs go overseas, the ripple effect on the local economies will surely be devastating.  A reduction in the use of coal raises the price of electricity and costs us jobs, both directly and indirectly.

“Hardworking Americans, their families, and our communities need these jobs.  While today’s news is disappointing, I will continue to fight relentlessly against President Obama and all those who wage war on the coal industry. ”