Ohio Coal Producers Decry U.S. House Passage of Waxman-Markey Bill

"Cap-and-trade" legislation will destroy Ohio jobs, increase consumer costs

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Mike Carey, president of the Ohio Coal
Association (OCA) today issued the following statement in response to the
passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of the Waxman-Markey
"cap-and-trade" bill.

"This legislation will have a drastic impact on Ohio's economy by eliminating
jobs in eastern and southern Ohio and increasing consumer costs throughout the
state.

"Ohio's economy is under siege - dramatically rising jobless rates and a
gloomy overall financial picture for the state. Clearly, there is little
doubt that any bill that will negatively impact jobs or our state's economic
competitiveness should have been seriously questioned.

"And yet, today, the U.S. House failed to do that - passing legislation with
no regard for its negative effect on the Buckeye state. Today was not a day
the people of Ohio, especially those in hard-hit areas of Appalachia where
coal jobs are so essential, were well represented by House Democrats.

"We want to praise the leadership of Rep. Charlie Wilson for standing up for
Ohio's coal families in Appalachia and opposing the cap and trade tax.

"The mandatory carbon-emission reductions outlined in this bill will bring
deep cuts in coal production. Not only the coal industry is impacted, but all
Ohio companies dependent upon competitive utility costs and all Ohioans who
would pay higher electricity costs alike will see the far-reaching negative
effects of this legislation.

"As Ohioans fight to regain economic stability, this is terrible news out of
Washington that can only take us further into the depths of economic despair
and job losses."

The Ohio Coal Association (OCA) is a non-profit trade association representing
the interests of Ohio's underground and surface coal mining producers. The
OCA represents nearly 40 coal producing companies and more than 50 Associate
Members, which include suppliers and consultants to the mining industry, coal
sales agents and brokers and allied industries. The Ohio Coal Association is
committed to advancing the development and utilization of Ohio coal as an
abundant, economic and environmentally sound energy source.

Mr. Carey testified before Congress against the Waxman-Markey bill and has
appeared on numerous state and national radio and television programs as an
expert on energy issues. He is available for print, broadcast interviews and
commentary on issues related to Ohio as well as U.S. energy policy affecting
the use of coal to generate electricity.

SOURCE Ohio Coal Association

Mike Carey, president, Ohio Coal Association, +1-614-228-6336 (office),
+1-614-264-1694 (mobile)