Delegate Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott) and Senator Ben Chafin (R-Russell) supported yesterday’s action by the House of Delegates, which preserves 470 coal jobs by accepting an amendment that reestablishes a $3-per-ton credit for Virginia coal and moves the sunset provision from next year to January 1, 2019. Moreover, this amended provision in Senator Colgan’s SB 1161 will allow Virginia coal to be utilized in Virginia electric power facilities, such as the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center.
“Times are extremely difficult for our coal miners and families in southwestern Virginia,” said Kilgore. “This legislation will keep hardworking Virginians employed with good paying jobs.” Average wage per miner in 2013 was $76,664, 48 percent above the state average wage.
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“Virginia should utilize its own coal, not be forced to buy from neighboring states because of the increased cost of the Commonwealth’s supply,” added Chafin. “This tax credit will keep the price competitive, allowing us to keep coal and jobs right here in Virginia.”
Delegate Kilgore and Senator Chafin are actively working with House and Senate leadership to usher SB 1161 and its companion bill HB1879 through the General Assembly.
Kilgore and Chafin both added, “The Southwest Virginia caucus members, including Senator Bill Carrico (R-Grayson), Delegates, Israel O’Quinn (R-Bristol), Jeff Campbell (R-Smyth), Todd Pillon (R-Washington) and Will Morefield (R-Tazewell), are doing everything they can to protect and safeguard Virginia coal miners and their families. We have worked to get proper funding for both tax credits included in the House and Senate budget plans. We urge the Governor to work with us to keep jobs here in the commonwealth by signing these pieces of legislation.”
