CHARLESTON (AP) — The president of Alpha Natural Resources says the so-called “war on coal” is broader than that. He calls it a war on affordable electricity.

Paul Vining says the casualties will be American consumers, businesses and manufacturers.

Vining acknowledged in a congressional hearing Monday that energy markets are cyclical and this is the first downturn the coal industry has faced.

Utilities are shifting from coal to cheaper natural gas, and coal stockpiles are near record levels because the mild winter reduced demand.

But Vining repeated the industry line, too, arguing regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency are “significantly and artificially” influencing markets.

The State Journal says Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield led the meeting of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power in Abingdon, Va., where Alpha is based.