Editor,

For the last 34 years I have made my living in and around Logan county working in the mining industry. For the last 10 years the industry has been under attack by environmental groups.

In 1999 the Dal-Tex mine at Sharples was closed because people working at the mine really didn't think that such a small group of people could have such a large affect on a industry backed by large corporations. Well nearly 400 men and women drove out of the hollow in a daze because it happened. Well guess what? Today in 2009 not just 400 persons stand to endure that fate but thousands of miners, vender's and manufactures face losing their jobs and businesses.

Southern West Virginia will fade away if the coal industry is forced into a slow death. We need the support of everyone out there that has an interest in our communities and concern for the lively hood of our State. Write letters, call or e-mail our leaders and ask them to get involved in this struggle because this will mean everything to our area if the same thing happens today that happened in 1999. We as a State can't stand an economic disaster like this.

I have read many articles written by environmentalists, actors and those who oppose surface mining and time after time I've been ready to throw myself in front of a truck because of all the bad things we as the coal industry have done over the years. But suddenly I change my mind when I see people that, after 30 plus years, come looking for their grandmothers grave that has been moved or someone planting flowers beside a fully grown tree that dwarfs a grave and now they are worried that a mining company may destroy the area.

Or maybe its the gas well roads I can see as I drive along US 119 everyday along with the logged hillsides. These sights bring me back to reality. I know the kind of regulations we are expected to follow by the State and Federal agencies on a surface mine site. Double standard isn't the word for the things gas, oil and logging companies can do and walk away from compared to mining companies. Where are the environmental groups protesting the damage these industries cause and leave behind? If the coal industry left area's like some of those we would face citations and fines everyday.

Miles upon miles of roads in the mountains that most likely cover an area equal to or greater than the surface disturbed by all mining in the State of West Virginia yet no protests. Think about this. If the coal industry is force out of business and the coal fired power plants were to shut down next week, what plan do the leaders of the United States have in place to meet the energy needs right know? What would they do or more importantly what would we do? Is there something out there we don't know about?

Today people in our area are spending hours trying to help our surface mining operations. Friends of Coal and Citizens for Coal are out there every day and we need to thank and support these people. As residents of the coal fields we live with a day to day fear over our jobs and the future of the coal industry. We live here and most of us have raised out families here. I can assure you we want to protect the environment as miners and citizens.

But when you face the attitudes we have in the last 10 years you become protective about the things you have worked hard for and the lifestyle you live. Help with your voice, call, e-mail and letters.

Steven Godby

Chapmanville