In an interview earlier this year, Barack Obama spoke of a plan that would "bankrupt" those who wanted to build coal-fired power plants.  Coal currently is used to generate 49% of the electricity in the United States, and is a valuable industry in West Virginia, which is a potential swing state.  Barak Obama said:


"So if somebody wants to build a coal-powered plant, they can; it's just that it will bankrupt them because they're going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that's being emitted." 


     If Obama is able to implement his plan, coal-fired power plants will not be built.  As a result, the demand for coal will decrease.  If the demand decreases, the coal industry will be hit hard.  Not only would there be direct job losses for miners, but local economies which depend on the economic impact of the mines would be hurt.  Also, since coal is responsible for 49% of electricity production, wouldn't "bankrupting" these power plants lead to higher electric rates?  I hope West Virginia residents consider this when they vote on Tuesday.


http://www.wvrecord.com/news/215679-coal-official-calls-obama-comments-unbelievable