State of West Virginia Archives: on Environment
Earl Ray Tomblin:
Identify and remediate land available for development
West Virginia needs to identify and remediate land available for development. West Virginia has a strong history in manufacturing and mining, and a number of unused sites have great potential for future development. So tonight,
I propose the State form a public non-profit corporation to identify, promote, and oversee programs that will foster economic development and environmental remediation. Working together, we can put these sites back to use in West Virginia.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
Jeff Kessler:
Fund open space & industrial site cleanup
Kessler indicates support of the following principles regarding the environment and energy.- Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
- Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal).
- Use state
funds to clean up former industrial & commercial sites that are contaminated, unused, or abandoned.
- Support funding for improvements to West Virginia's power generating and transmission facilities.
- Support funding for open space preservation.
Source: W.V. Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
John Buckley:
People should be able to legally enforce clean air & water
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "No 'rights' to clean air and water"?A: Oppose, technically.
There should be stronger private sector remedies in the resolution of disputes over the effects of pollution on third-parties. Third-parties have a common law right to the peaceful enjoyment of their property.
Source: Email interview on 2014 W.V. Senate race with OnTheIssues
Sep 5, 2014
John Raese:
Abolish the EPA & the Department of Energy
Raese aggressively criticized the Obama administration on coal regulations, and environmental policy. He also wants to cut some federal programs that currently regulate the environment. "The Obama administration has been regulating coal out of existence.
Try to get a permit today, if you can," Raese said. "He doesn't want to burn fossil fuels, he's making coal priced so high that it's not competitive anymore," he said, "I'd like to abolish the Department of Energy, and I would also like to abolish the
EPA. I think they are both redundant."Manchin says all energy resources in the country should be developed, to stop dependence on foreign oil. He says regulatory practices from the Environmental Protection Agency are unfairly hurting
Appalachian coal mining. But he says a balance must be drawn to protect both industry and environmental interests. "There's a balance to be had, the economy and the environment has to work together," Manchin said.
Source: West Virginia Public Broadcasting on 2012 W.V. Senate debate
Oct 3, 2012
Patrick Morrisey:
Recognized leader in the fight against federal overreach
He is nationally recognized as a leader in the fight against federal overreach. Morrisey has been the public face of some of the nation's most significant legal victories in recent years. He spearheaded America's largest win against the deep
administrative state in decades (WV v. EPA), a pivotal case for our state because it helps protect energy jobs and limits the ability of federal agencies to issue regulations without clear statements from Congress.
Source: 2024 W.V. Gubernatorial campaign website PatrickMorrisey.com
Jun 21, 2023
JB McCuskey:
Against burdensome climate rules that harm coal economy
The coal industry is the backbone of West Virginia and J.B. McCuskey knows that coal is crucial for a prosperous energy economy. McCuskey supports the coal miners and their families who have dedicated their lives to power America. In the House of
Delegates, McCuskey sponsored legislation to improve coal mine safety. He has been a strong voice against burdensome climate rules that would harm West Virginia's coal economy and has previously been endorsed by pro-coal groups within the state.
Source: 2024 W.V. Gubernatorial campaign website McCuskeyForWV.com
Jun 22, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026