House Majority Whip Del. Paul Espinosa Hired As Rockwool Public Affairs Manager

House of Delegates Majority Whip Del. Paul Espinosa has been hired as the Public Affairs Manager for the controversial Rockwool insulation plant in Jefferson County.

Rockwool made the announcement in a press release Tuesday.

Trent Ogilvie, the President of Rockwool North America, said in the release the company had been looking to hire someone who, “knows the area, understands the issues, and most importantly can connect with all members of the community in a meaningful way.”

The release goes on to tout Espinosa’s achievements in the Jefferson County community and in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Espinosa said in the release he’s been impressed with Rockwool’s outreach and open dialogue with the community over the past year. He said the company has taken many steps to address the community’s concerns and promise environmental stewardship.

Rockwool has been a source of contention, division and large community rallies in the county for the past year. The company would manufacture stone wool insulation on former orchard land across from an elementary school and feature two 21-story smokestacks releasing a range of chemicals.

The company is expected to offer 150 full-time positions and be operational by mid-2020.