We applaud U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and W.Va. Sen. Art Kirkendoll for defending coal from the many attacks waged on it by the federal government.

Both senators will take part in a Coal Forum on Wednesday morning at Walker Machinery in Belle in Kanawha Countywhere they will meet with coal and industry leaders for a FACES of Coal/WV Coal Association roundtable discussion on the impact of the federal government on the Appalachian Coal industry.

Manchin is currently in the second week of his “Fighting For Every Job” tour, which is focusing on the country’s need for energy independence. For years, he has stressed the need for coal and its importance to the United States’ energy independence.

Kirkendoll has been one of the leading proponents for coal and coal mining jobs for many years.

We know that these two officials will let everyone know how vital coal is to our country’s energy independence. Hopefully, throught this coal forum, they can join with industry officials to come up with a battle plan to keep coal mining alive and well.

We applaud the fact that these two senators have not given up in the fight for coal and that they are continuing to stand up to the federal government as it tries to stop coal mining.

Keep up the good work, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and W.Va. Sen. Art Kirkendoll!