On the recordJuly 13, 2016
I heartily agree with my friend from West Virginia that it is time we stand up for coal miners and their families. It is time we stand up for their health. I don't know West Virginia's health statistics, but I do know those from southwest Virginia. They, unfortunately, have the highest negative health consequences of any counties in Virginia. The New York Times did a story a few years ago about the 20 counties in America where the death rate was going up. Seven were in the coalfields of southwest Virginia. The incidence of sickness, birth defects, cancer, and all kinds of illnesses are much higher when you look at the streams that have been buried by coal refuse. Let's look at this. In this so-called war on coal, no administration has put as much money into research on trying to bring coal back--coal gasification and carbon capture sequestration--trying to make coal a vital part of our economy again, without the health consequences and without environmental consequences. This is what we are trying to do. We cherish these people also. Let's take care of them in a strong way rather than subjecting them to environmental conditions and lifestyles that destroy their lives. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.
