President Obama brags about the four million private sector jobs he supposedly created during the past 27 months of his administration. His funky math takes us from March 2010 through this past May. Notice something missing, like for example the first 14 months of his presidency? If those numbers were counted it would more than wipe out those four million jobs--plus some (about 5.2 million jobs lost) So the "net -net" is the president's economic program has been a failure.
But to give credit where credit is due, there is one economic promise that the president has kept. His war on coal is destroying jobs and raising the cost of energy. Congratulations Mr. President, you didn't build that...but you are certainly helping to destroy it!
Here are some facts about what Obama has done to the coal industry:
The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register: “Obama’s Goal, In Which Top EPA Officials And Liberals In Congress Cooperate Enthusiastically, Is To Wreck The Coal Industry.” “Obama’s goal, in which top EPA officials and liberals in Congress cooperate enthusiastically, is to wreck the coal industry. As we have pointed out, eliminating relatively low-priced electricity generated from coal will put many industries in this region at a competitive disadvantage against those elsewhere. That may well be part of the liberals’ strategy.” (Editorial, “End EPA War Against Coal,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News Register , 1/1/12)
JUST TODAY, ALPHA NATURAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCED 1,200 LAYOFFS
This Morning, Alpha Natural Resources Announced It Is Eliminating 1,200 Jobs, Nearly A Tenth Of Its Work Force. “Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it’s cutting production by 16 million tons and eliminating 1,200 jobs companywide, including 400 with the immediate closing of eight mines in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The mine shutdowns start Tuesday, while the rest of the layoffs will be completed by the end of the first quarter after Alpha fulfills current sales obligations, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Crutchfield said. In all, the layoffs amount to nearly a tenth of Alpha’s 13,000-person work force.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
“Closing Four Mines In West Virginia, Three In Virginia, And One In Pennsylvania,” Miners Will Be Either Reassigned Or Laid Off Immediately, And Support Positions Will Also Be Cut Proportionally. “Alpha said it is closing four mines in West Virginia, three in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania. They are a mix of deep and surface mines. All the mines being closed are non-union operations. Alpha didn’t immediately name the mines because they wanted to inform all the workers first. Though some miners will stay on to seal the operations, most will either be reassigned or laid off immediately. Support positions will also be cut proportionally as Alpha reduces its operating regions from four to two, Crutchfield said, and two executives will retire Nov. 1.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
Facing “A Regulatory Environment That’s Aggressively Aimed At Constraining The Use Of Coal, CEO Kevin Crutchfield Says It’s a Necessary “Difficult Day.” “Crutchfield called it ‘a difficult day,’ but said the shutdowns and layoffs are a necessary part of ensuring Alpha survives in what has become a difficult U.S. market, where coal companies face a dual challenge: Power plants are shifting to cheap, abundant natural gas, while companies like his face ‘a regulatory environment that’s aggressively aimed at constraining the use of coal.’” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
JUST LAST WEEK, PATRIOT COAL ANNOUNCED 250 LAYOFFS
Announced Last Week, Patriot Coal Will Lay Off 250 Employees And Contractors At Three Mines In Central Appalachia. “Patriot Coal Corp., the coal producer that filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, is making additional production cuts at three mines in Central Appalachia and laying off 250 employees and contractors.” (Jeffrey Tomich, “Bankrupt Patriot Coal Cuts More Output, Jobs,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch , 9/14/12)
Earlier This Year, Patriot Coal Filed For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. “Patriot Coal Corporation (NYSE: PCX), a producer and marketer of coal products in the eastern United States, announced today that Patriot and substantially all of its wholly owned subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. ” (Press Release, “Patriot Coal Files For Chapter 11 Reorganization To Improve The Company’s Long-Term Prospects,” Patriot Coal, 7/9/12)
Coal Industry And Patriot’s Business Outlook Has Been Impacted By “Challenging Environmental Regulations Affecting The Cost Of Producing And Using Coal.”“Patriot’s business outlook has been impacted by a number of challenges that are affecting the coal industry, including reductions in U.S. thermal coal demand due to competition from low priced natural gas, challenging environmental regulations affecting the cost of producing and using coal, and weaker international and domestic economies.” (Press Release, “Patriot Coal Files For Chapter 11 Reorganization To Improve The Company’s Long-Term Prospects,”Patriot Coal, 7/9/12)
OBAMA HAS COST COUNTLESS JOBS IN THE COAL INDUSTRY
Ohio
In Ohio, OhioAmerican Energy, Inc., A Subsidiary Of Murray Energy, Announced The Closure Of Its Coal Mining Operations, Citing Obama And His Appointees As The Reason. “OhioAmerican Energy, Inc. (‘OhioAmerican’), a Subsidiary Of Murray Energy Corporation (“Murray Energy”), today announced the closure of its coal mining operations near Brilliant, Jefferson County, Ohio. Regulatory Actions By President Barack Obama And His Appointees And Followers Were Cited As The Entire Reason. ‘Mr. Obama has already destroyed 83,000 megawatts of coal-fired electricity generation in America,’ said Mr. Michael T.W. Carey, Vice President of Government Affairs for Murray Energy. ‘Electric Prices in the recent PJM Interconnection monthly auction were bid up 800 percent (8 times) for 2015-2016 because of this,’ he added.” (Press Release, “OhioAmerican Energy, Inc. Coal Mining Operation Closed In Eastern Ohio,” Murray Energy, 7/31/12)
American Estimates That The Obama Administration Has Destroyed 2,868 Jobs In Eastern Ohio. “‘At its peak, OhioAmerican employed 239 local people in high-paying, well-benefited jobs,’ said Mr. Stanley T. Piasecki, General Manager and Superintendent. ‘University studies show that our Mines can create up to eleven (11) secondary jobs in our communities, for store clerks, teachers, etc., to serve our direct employees. Thus, if one uses the eleven (11) to one (1) multiplier, the Obama Administration has destroyed 2,868 jobs in eastern Ohio with this forced Mine closure,’ stated Mr. Piasecki.” (Press Release, “OhioAmerican Energy, Inc. Coal Mining Operation Closed In Eastern Ohio,” Murray Energy, 7/31/12)
In Ohio, The Ohio Valley Coal Company Recently Announced The Elimination Of 29 Hourly Jobs At Its Powhattan No. 6 Mine Citing “Regulatory Excess Of The Obama Administration As A Direct Cause Of The Layoffs.” “The Ohio Valley Coal Company announced Friday it has been forced to reduce its workforce at the Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio. According to a news release 29 hourly jobs will be cut. The company cites regulatory excess of the Obama Administration as a direct cause to the layoffs.” (Colin Lawler, “Ohio Valley Coal Co. Announces Layoffs,” WTRF, 7/21/12)
General Manager Ronald Koontz: The Obama Administration’s War On Coal Is “Seeking To Destroy The Coal Industry And The Jobs Of Our Own Employees And The Livelihoods Of Their Families.” “Announcing the reduction of 29 jobs at its Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio, General Manager Ronald Koontz attacked the Obama administration for a ‘war on coal seeking to destroy the coal industry and the jobs of our own employees and the livelihoods of their families.’” (Erich Schwartzel, “Two Coal Companies Downsize,” Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 7/20/12)
In Ohio, FirstEnergy Will Begin Downsizing Its Bay Shore Plant In September; Eventually 73 Workers Will Lose Their Jobs. “Electric utility FirstEnergy Corp., Toledo Edison’s parent firm, said this week it will begin its planned downsizing of the Bay Shore plant in Oregon on Sept. 1 by permanently laying off workers. The number of workers to be laid off eventually will total 73.” (“Layoffs To Begin Sept. 1 At Bay Shore Plant,” Toledo Blade, 7/20/12)
First Energy Is Retiring Three Coal-Fired Generators Because Of Federal Environmental Standards Put In Place Late Last Year. “FirstEnergy said in January it would retire three coal-fired generators at Bay Shore because of federal environmental standards put in place late last year. A fourth generator that burns pet coke supplied by the nearby BP-Husky refinery will keep producing electricity and retain 81 jobs.” (“Layoffs To Begin Sept. 1 At Bay Shore Plant,” Toledo Blade, 7/20/12)
Virginia
In Virginia, “The Future Is Uncertain” For Coal. “Virginia’s coal is primarily found in the far southwestern region, which is laden with the low-sulfur, cleaner-burning variety. Even so, the local industry is feeling the heat from Washington, D.C. ‘The future is uncertain,’ John Belcher, executive director of the Virginia Mining Association, said from his office in Norton. ‘It’s all up in the air, depending on the regulations.’” (Kenric Ward, “Climate Regulations Leaving Virginia Coal Out In The Cold,” The Examiner, 8/12/12)
By 2015, Appalachian Power Will Close Their Two Remaining Coal-Fired Plants In Virginia. “Appalachian Power, which provides electricity to much of western and southwest Virginia, said the effects of tighter rules dating from the Bush administration have changed the energy climate and driven up costs. By 2015, the company will close its two remaining coal-fired plants in the state – Clinch River and Glen Lyn – and convert two units at Clinch River to run on natural gas.” (Kenric Ward, “Climate Regulations Leaving Virginia Coal Out In The Cold,” The Examiner, 8/12/12)
Dominion Virginia Power Has Plans To Shut Down Coal-Fired Plants In Yorktown And Chesapeake. “Dominion Virginia Power, another major electric utility serving Virginia, also plans to shut down its coal-fired plants at Yorktown and Chesapeake. The two facilities have a combined capacity to generate 1,189 megawatts.” (Kenric Ward, “Climate Regulations Leaving Virginia Coal Out In The Cold,” The Examiner, 8/12/12)
Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, “PBS Coals Inc. And Its Affiliate Company, RoxCoal Inc., Laid Off About 225 Workers As Part Of An Immediate Idling Of Some Deep And Surface Mines In Somerset County.” “PBS Coals Inc. and its affiliate company, RoxCoal Inc., laid off about 225 workers as part of an immediate idling of some deep and surface mines in Somerset County. The company now employs 795 workers.” (Eric Schwartzel, “Two Coal Companies Downsize,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 7/20/12)
PBS Coals’ President And CEO Cited Escalating Costs And Uncertainty From Obama’s EPA Regulations. “In a statement, PBS President and CEO D. Lynn Shanks said foreign and domestic markets were seeing softened demand for coal. ‘Additionally, the escalating costs and uncertainty generated by recently advanced EPA regulations and interpretations have created a challenging business climate for the entire coal industry,’ he said in the statement.” (Eric Schwartzel, “Two Coal Companies Downsize,”Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 7/20/12)
West Virginia
In West Virginia, Arch Coal Will Close Plants In Webster And Nicholas CountiesCosting 19 Percent Of Their West Virginia Jobs. “The Eastern Complex near Cowen in Webster County, W.Va. is also falling to cuts. Arch Coal says 19 percent of their West Virginia jobs will be lost in this cut.” (“Arch Coal Cutting 750 Mine Jobs In Appalachia,” WSAZ News Channel, 7/22/12)
With Two Surface Mines And One Underground Mine, The Eastern Complex Employees 160 West Virginians. “Arch Coal did not provide a complete breakdown of the job losses, but the sites where production was to be curtailed included the company’s Eastern Complex, which lists mines in Webster and Nicholas counties. The Eastern Complex reported about 160 employees at two surface mines and one underground mine, but the underground mine was listed in non-producing status starting in March, according to federal records.” (Ken Ward, Jr., “Arch Coal Announces 750 More Mining Layoffs,” The Charleston Gazette, 6/21/12)
Arch Coal Attributes Necessity To Idle Equipment And Reduce Shift Work To “Current Market Pressures And A Challenging Regulatory Environment.” “In a prepared statement, Arch Coal cited ‘the unprecedented downturn in demand for coal-based electricity’ as the reason for its moves. ‘Current market pressures and a challenging regulatory environment have pushed coal consumption in the United States to a 20-year low,’ said John W. Eaves, Arch’s president and chief executive. ‘In response, we had previously streamlined capital spending, idled equipment and reduced shift work,’ Eaves said.” (Ken Ward, Jr., “Arch Coal Announces 750 More Mining Layoffs,” The Charleston Gazette, 6/21/12)
In West Virginia, Consol Energy Is Laying Off 318 Coal Miners, “Citing Pressure From Federal Environmental Regulators.” “At the same time Consol Energy is ramping up its natural gas drilling efforts, company officials are laying off 318 West Virginia coal miners, citing pressure from federal environmental regulators.” (Casey Junkins, “Coal Jobs Cut; Consol, Others Scaling Back,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Registe r , 7/8/12)
In West Virginia, Alpha Natural Resources Will Permanently Close Two Mines And A Coal Preparation Plant, Laying Off 100 People And Transferring 80 Jobs. “Virginia-based Alpha Natural Resources, which acquired Massey Energy last year, is permanently closing two mines and a coal preparation plant in Logan County, while reducing some other southern West Virginia. There will be about 100 people laid off, with another 80 workers transferring to other Alpha job sites.” (Casey Junkins, “Coal Jobs Cut; Consol, Others Scaling Back,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Registe r , 7/8/12)
Alpha Natural Resources Along With Two Other Companies “Blame The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency For Causing A Downturn In Coal Demand.”“Consol is not alone in reducing its coal operations in West Virginia, as Arch Coal and Alpha Natural Resources also announced recently plans to cut back their work forces throughout the Mountain State. All three companies blame the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for causing a downturn in coal demand, citing this as the reason for reducing their coal operations.” (Casey Junkins, “Coal Jobs Cut; Consol, Others Scaling Back,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Registe r , 7/8/12)
Kentucky
In Kentucky, Coal Layoffs Abound: 52 Employees Lost Their Jobs At Enterprise Mining, 109 At Xinergy Corp.’s Straight Creek Mine, And 160 At Sapphire Coal. “Coal employment had held steady or even grown in some Eastern Kentucky counties the past few years, but a wave of layoff announcements started early this year and just kept coming: Fifty-two people at Enterprise Mining’s surface operation in Knott County on Feb. 3. Two weeks later, 109 at Xinergy Corp.’s Straight Creek mine in Bell County. In April, 160 at Sapphire Coal in Letcher County.” (Bill Estep, “Coal Industry Sheds Jobs, Leaving Eastern Kentucky Economy In Tatters,” McClatchy, 7/29/12)
In Kentucky, Arch Coal Will Lay Off Nearly 600 People, 79 Percent Of Their Workforce In The State. “In Kentucky, 79 Percent of the Arch’s employees will be laid off. The company says that is nearly 600 workers.” (“Arch Coal Cutting 750 Mine Jobs In Appalachia,” WSAZ News Channel, 7/22/12)
“The Rowdy Gap Mine In Hazard, Ky. Will Be Idled And 49 Employees Will Lose Their Jobs.” (“Arch Coal Cutting 750 Mine Jobs In Appalachia,” WSAZ News Channel, 7/22/12)
“The Flint Ridge Complex In Clayhole Will Be Idled, Laying Off 131 Employees.”(“Arch Coal Cutting 750 Mine Jobs In Appalachia,” WSAZ News Channel, 7/22/12)
“And The Entire Knott County And Raven Complexes In Kite Are Shutting Down, Impacting 259 Workers.” (“Arch Coal Cutting 750 Mine Jobs In Appalachia,” WSAZ News Channel, 7/22/12)
COAL MINES AND PLANTS CONTINUE TO CLOSE UNDER OBAMA, FORCING THOUSANDS OUT OF WORK FROM GOOD-PAYING JOBS
“Those Who Insist There Is No War On Coal By Obama Ignore The Evidence, Including Layoffs.” “Hundreds of miners in West Virginia and Kentucky also are being idled, their companies revealed recently. Those who insist there is no war on coal by Obama ignore the evidence, including layoffs. Unfortunately, the affected miners and their families, some of them local, cannot close their eyes to the situation.” (Editorial, “Area Miner Victims Of Obama’s Policy,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register , 7/23/12)
Under The Obama Administration, 111 Coal Power Plants Have Closed In The Past Two Years. “But in the past two years, an increasing number of coal-powered electricity plants across the country have announced closures. Estimates vary, but banking and industry analysis firm Credit Suisse put expected and known closures for 2009-2012 at 111 plants, that’s one-fifth of the nation’s nearly 500 coal plants.” (Lisa Desjardins, “The War Over Coal Is Personal,” CNN, 7/17/12)
Energy Information Administration Expects 175 Coal-Fired Generators To Retire Between 2012 And 2016. “Plant owners and operators report to EIA that they expect to retire almost 27 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from 175 coal-fired generators between 2012 and 2016. In 2011, there were 1,387 coal-fired generators in the United States, totaling almost 318 GW. The 27 GW of retiring capacity amounts to 8.5% of total 2011 coal-fired capacity.” (“27 Gigawatts Of Coal-Fired Capacity To Retire over The Next Five Years,” Energy Information Administration, 7/27/12)
EIA : “Coal-Fired Capacity Retirements Expected To Occur in 2012 Will Likely Be The Largest One-Year Amount In The Nation’s History.” “The coal-fired capacity expected to be retired over the next five years is more than four times greater than retirements performed during the preceding five-year period (6.5 GW). Moreover, based on EIA data, the approximate 9 GW of coal-fired capacity retirements expected to occur in 2012 will likely be the largest one-year amount in the nation’s history.” (“27 Gigawatts Of Coal-Fired Capacity To Retire over The Next Five Years,” Energy Information Administration, 7/27/12)
EPA Regulations Are Estimated To Cut Total Coal Employment By 1.4 Million Job-Years Between 2011 And 2020. “An estimated 60,000 Americans work in coal-fired power plants. These are high-productivity jobs because the employees work with large amounts of capital. Electricity generated by coal takes just 0.18 employees per megawatt of plant capacity. Coal-fired power plant jobs pay high wages because their employees are skilled. Yet new EPA regulations are estimated to cut total coal employment by 1.4 million job-years between 2011 and 2020.” (Andrew P. Morriss, “EPA Foolishly Seeks To Destroy Nation’s Coal Industry,” McClatchyDC, 8/2/12)
A Typical Coal Miner In The United States Earns $73,000 A Year According To The National Mining Association. “Third, the coal industry is a significant source of jobs. The typical coal miner earns $73,000 a year, says the National Mining Association, which represents the mining industry in Washington.” (Andrew P. Morriss, “EPA Foolishly Seeks To Destroy Nation’s Coal Industry,” McClatchyDC, 8/2/12)
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