W.Va. Determining Impact of New Pollution Rule

MGN Online

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is studying options on a federal rule requiring West Virginia to cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 percent by 2030.

The Environmental Protection Agency rule announced Monday is part of President Barack Obama's plans to reduce pollution tied to global warming.

The proposed rule targets coal-fired power plants. West Virginia gets 96 percent of its electricity from coal, the highest ratio nationally.

West Virginia's mark would drop emissions by 19.8 percent by 2030, compared to 2012.

The rule would drop emissions by 30 percent nationally by 2030, compared to 2005.

West Virginia stakeholders and officials from both parties called the rule a job killer for miners Monday. They said electric costs would spike.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said he would take all legal actions necessary.

Tomblin released the following statement:

'The EPA's new rules are an extensive 645 pages long and at first glance, there are several proposals that cause us great concern. If these rules are put into place, our manufacturers may be forced to look overseas for more reasonable energy costs, taking good paying jobs with them and leaving hardworking West Virginians without jobs to support their families. We must make every effort to create opportunities for our young people, not hinder them.'