‘A Perfect Storm of Setbacks’ for W.Va. Coal in 2012 - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

‘A Perfect Storm of Setbacks’ for W.Va. Coal in 2012

Posted: Updated:
By Annie Moore, Reporter - email

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 8:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:28:29 GMT
    Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is offering West Virginia's emergency response resources to Oklahoma officials following this week's deadly tornado. Tomblin said Wednesday he spoke with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin,
    Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is offering West Virginia's emergency response resources to Oklahoma officials following this week's deadly tornado.

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:16:09 GMT
    A West Virginia senator who's long pushed parents, coaches and communities to help protect young athletes from concussions is now sponsoring federal legislation to set safety standards for helmets. U.S.
    A West Virginia senator who's long pushed parents, coaches and communities to help protect young athletes from concussions is now sponsoring federal legislation to set safety standards for helmets.

  • Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:09:00 GMT
    It was a special day Wednesday for children and faculty at the Mercer County Early Learning Centers as they got special visitor. "I've never been down to the southern part of the state that much as a
    It was a special day Wednesday for children and faculty at the Mercer County Early Learning Centers as they got special visitor.
    •   

Christmas is coming early for hundreds of out-of-work coal miners in West Virginia.

On Tuesday, Roanoke-based Southern Coal Company officials announced the company will keep more than 500 jobs in the area and add another 600.  

The announcement comes on the heels of a multi-year agreement with AEP.

"It's great. It's almost like Christmas is coming early. These guys, they need to work," said Roy Meador, father of a coal miner.

According to West Virginia Coal Association President, Bill Raney, it is welcome news after a particularly tough year.

He said the industry has suffered from a perfect storm of setbacks in the past year – ranging from gridlock in Washington to competition from natural gas.

"The mild winter last year allowed stockpiles to grow well beyond what the natural level is. The natural gas prices are down, but they're going up. But it's been a tough year," said Raney.

While increased federal regulation has played a part, he said it is the sea of uncertainty in Washington D.C. that is making many coal executives in the state hesitant to make their next move.

"They have to start loosening up in Washington. You don't have to loosen the requirements, but at least let people live in a predictable world to live in. That's all people are asking," adds Raney.