Wyoming County Circuit Clerk David Stover thought things were going well last year when a new coal company came to town.
He said miners were being recruited from out of state just to work in Wyoming County.
But then, he said something changed.
Coal miners were being laid off. And companies that at one time were hiring hundreds of workers suddenly weren't hiring any.
"I couldn't figure out why, when you're in a country that imports hundreds of billions worth of energy, why in the world, when we have 200 years worth of energy buried in the ground, how we could be out of work," said Stover.
That is when he decided to take his case to Washington.
"The EPA regulations are at a point where power companies are deciding not to use coal," said Stover.
At the end of the day, Stover said he fell short, making 285 of the 316 mile journey.
But he made it to Washington to meet with legislators, hitching a ride with a friend for the final stretch.
Stover said he didn't win any legislative victories or policy changes while in Washington – but walked away with hope for tomorrow and what's ahead.
"The founding fathers created something here that should bring tears to our eyes. It's that worthy. If it's wrong, we correct it. That's what's great about this government and what's great about America. There are troubles, but no group of people or party will ever take us down," said Stover.
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