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Faber and
Balderson Promote Protection of American Energy in the Steel City
COLUMBUS – Ohio Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Senator
Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville) were keynote speakers Wednesday at a
special event in Pittsburgh to show support for the region’s coal
industry.
The Rally to Support American Energy was organized in response to new
regulations proposed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) that would significantly impact the coal industry. EPA officials
are meeting in Pittsburgh this week to collect public comment on the
proposed regulations.
“The Obama administration has declared a war on coal, and we’re not
going to let their radical agenda destroy our economy,” said Senator
Faber. “The coal industry provides efficient and affordable energy to
millions of Americans and provides good jobs for thousands of Ohioans,
Pennsylvanians, and West Virginians.”
“These extreme regulations are being mandated without any legislative
authorization. If these regulations were the right thing to do,
Congress would act and pass a bill. But they know what we already know
– these regulations will kill jobs, destroy our economy and jeopardize
our nation’s security. Our number one priority in Ohio continues to be
a focus on jobs, opportunity and the economy, which is why I’m here
today.”
Senator Balderson added, “Affordable and reliable electric power is
central to the nation’s economy and to the well-being of the entire
population. Today at the coal rally, constituents and legislators from
three states joined together to rally for an industry that has been
fundamental to the economy, specifically in the Appalachian region. I
was happy to take part in defending those citizens who do not have the
luxury of being able to pay exorbitant utility rates for higher priced
energy sources.”
Thousands of people attended the rally, which was held at the Highmark
Stadium in downtown Pittsburgh. Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor joined
Senators Faber and Balderson at the event, along with Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Corbett and West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin.
The State of Ohio is taking a measured approach to energy policy.
Recently, the General Assembly passed legislation placing a two-year
freeze on energy efficiency mandates. This freeze will allow the
legislature to conduct a thorough review to determine the best policy
to provide affordable and reliable energy for Ohioans while encouraging
job growth and economic development in our state.
Senator Faber’s office can be reached at (614) 466-7584 or
Faber@OhioSenate.gov.
Senator Balderson’s office can be reached at (614) 466-8076 or
Balderson@OhioSenate.gov.
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