Nick Rahall: “In conclusion, let me wrap up the debate on this amendment by saying that it is a pro-mining amendment. It is a…”

“In conclusion, let me wrap up the debate on this amendment by saying that it is a pro-mining amendment. It is a pro-consumer amendment. It is a pro-fairness-for-American-taxpayer amendment. The coal that is mined in the Powder River Basin for the most part is Federal coal. This is coal that has as the owner of the deed on that land all the American taxpayers. They have a right to get a fair return for the disposition of their resources. We have, as public policymakers, the obligation to ensure that the American taxpayer gets a fair return and that this coal that is mined on Federal coal leases in the Powder River Basin is leased on a competitive basis. That helps the consumer, and that helps all of America. Those of us in the east and other States, where of course the majority of the coal that is mined is on private lands, this amendment ensures that that production will continue in a very fair and environmentally sound manner. It ensures that there is an equal balance in the distribution of our coal supplies across this country; and it means that the American taxpayer, in the long run, is the beneficiary of my amendment to strike this anti-competitive provision.”