State and Congressional elected officials, anti-mountaintop removal supporters, and mining officials met this afternoon to open a dialogue about the controversial practice.

Gov. Joe Manchin, Reps. Shelley Moore Capito and Nick Rahall, Del. Mike Caputo, singer Kathey Mattea, Bo Webb, and others met behind closed doors to discuss the various issues involve mountaintop removal, where hillsides are sheered off in order to get to the coal deposits.

This event comes after Manchin held a similar closed-door conference with coal industry executives after the Environmental Protection Agency put on hold 79 mountaintop removal permits nationwide. In a press conference after the event, state elected officials vowed to speak with one voice concerning coal. Sen. Robert Byrd broke ranks by releasing a statement chastising coal companies for stoking fears of layoffs.

The video below is the press conference from today’s event. The recurring theme of every speaker revolved around maintain an open dialogue and asking both sides to refrain from violence.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller was unable to attend, but sent out the following statement:

“I take my job seriously to listen to every West Virginian and take action on their behalf. Almost all of us are affected in some way by our energy industry—from coal miners and equipment operators, to teachers, shop owners, farmers and school children. Making sure that the state maximizes the positive and minimizes the negatives when it comes to this industry is what each and every one of us hopes to accomplish.

“Creating and keeping jobs in West Virginia and keeping our communities strong are top priorities, but I believe we can find a balance between economic viability and environmental stewardship and a dialogue is critical.

“Right now, we need the power and the jobs that coal mining provides West Virginia. We also need to remember the families that mine the coal and those that live near these mining operations.

“The issue comes down to one of balance. I firmly believe that we can find ways to protect West Virginia’s natural heritage and economic vitality. But that takes our collective understanding, listening, creativity and vision to accomplish.

“In order to achieve this type of balance it is important that all sides listen to each other and that we commit to strive for collective understanding, discussion and vision about how to move forward – and that is what meetings like this one are about.

“As mine permitting issues continue to arise, I have been fighting for a fair and just permitting system – one that promotes responsible mining done in compliance with laws that protect our communities, while at the same time protecting jobs and providing our mining companies the certainty that they need to do their work.

“And as all legislation is crafted in Congress, I keep your thoughts, questions and concerns close and strive to represent West Virginians in all that I do.

“Strengthening our economy, creating jobs and improving the health of our communities is an agenda we can and must all get behind. Together we can safeguard the livelihood and health of all West Virginia families and I will do everything in my power to see that this happens.”

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