Jenkins launches #WVCoalVoices project to highlight stories of those impacted by coal industry decline

U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins (R-WV) recently launched the #WVCoalVoices project, wherein he plans to share the stories of West Virginia families impacted by the declining coal industry, which is being hit by increased environmental regulation.

“The uncertainty can be paralyzing,” Jenkins said. “This is reality for so many of my constituents, like April Brooks of Princeton, in Mercer County. April writes me, ‘My husband has worked in the mining industry for the last 11 years, and my Dad was a coal miner for over 30 years. Like every family that depends on coal for a living, we live day to day, worrying about what will happen tomorrow.’”

Jenkins will continue to highlight the struggles faced by West Virginia families dependent on coal mines through his #WVCoalVoices project, showing how mine closures can impact the communities surrounding them.

"President Obama's job killing over-regulations are having real consequences for real West Virginians,” Jenkins said. “We need to pass policies that create jobs and ensure a future for all West Virginians, all West Virginia families, so they can stay and work and live in our great state.”