Political Quotes

“I rise to speak about our Nation's energy economy. ``Alpha Natural to Lay Off 439 at West Virginia Coal Mine''; ``Murray Energy expects more than 1,800 coal mine layoffs''; ``Job Cuts Are Devastating Blow for Ohio Valley Coal Miners''; ``Coal analyst says industry facing toughest time''; ``Power Bills To Get Higher''--these are just some of the headlines that have been in the recent news in my area. These headlines are a stark reminder of the impact misguided Federal policies will have on the lives of real people. West Virginia and other energy-producing States have suffered devastating blows. Hard-working Americans are losing their jobs as their energy bills keep climbing. I come to the floor to encourage my colleagues to stand up for our Nation's energy future. Last month, I introduced the Affordable Reliable Energy Now Act--the ARENA Act--with Leader McConnell, Chairman Inhofe, my fellow West Virginian Joe Manchin, and nearly 30 of my colleagues. This bipartisan legislation would empower States to protect families and businesses from electricity rate increases, reduced electrical reliability, and other harmful effects of the Clean Power Plan. The ARENA Act would require that any greenhouse gas standards set by the EPA for new coal-fired powerplants are achievable by commercial powerplants, including highly efficient plants that utilize the most modern, state-of-the-art emissions control technologies.…”