West Virginia officials joined hundreds of coal miners and coal supporters at an electricity and energy jobs rally.
The Wednesday event at Pittsburgh’s Highmark Stadium included Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, labor leaders and others.
Officials say the rally is aimed at raising awareness over proposed changed to federal rules about pollution discharged by coal-fired power plants.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s plan aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent by 2030, with 2005 levels as the starting point.
Tomblin has said none of the state’s coal plants are close to meeting the proposed standard, although companies say they’re cutting emissions.
West Virginia is the second-biggest U.S. coal producer after Wyoming.
Rally still going, Roger Horton of Citizens for Coal speaking now, rallying miners to make comments on EPA proposal pic.twitter.com/3vBNicqNRU
— Marcus Constantino is voting on Nov. 3 (@amtino) July 30, 2014
Today's rally going on at Highmark Stadium at bottom of Mt Washington. Stands half full, crowd gathered at stage pic.twitter.com/6osWMd2SfJ
— Marcus Constantino is voting on Nov. 3 (@amtino) July 30, 2014
Hardworking West Virginians are why I will continue to stand up to the @EPA. Our communities and families deserve better. #powerjobs
— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) July 30, 2014
At the pro-coal rally, this guy started a stock car, nearly blew out my ear drums. #decibels #11 pic.twitter.com/TggkcJa6Kg
— Reid Frazier (@reidfrazier) July 30, 2014
Couldn't attend one of our Clean Power Plan hearings? Please share your comments in writing: http://t.co/DHyCkVFmHa
— U.S. EPA (@EPA) July 30, 2014