Ohio Senate Democrats have long supported the coal industry in southeastern Ohio. Our members understand how important coal is to the region's economy and that's why we have introduced and voted for legislation to promote the industry and protect jobs.
With that in mind, it is time to set the record straight on President Obama's record on coal in Ohio. Here are the facts: more Ohioans are working in the coal industry today than when President Obama took office, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the president is making major investments in clean coaltechnology.
President Obama's administration has invested nearly $6 billion in research and development of clean coal technology since 2009. Some of that research is happening right now at Ohio State University and the University of Toledo where they are training scientists and engineers to design cleaner and more efficient coal-fired power plants. That technology will lead to more jobs in southeastern Ohio.
The president's record on coal is in stark contrast to Mitt Romney's attacks on the industry. As governor of Massachusetts, Romney stood outside a coal plant and said "that plant kills people" and he would not "create jobs or hold jobs that kill people." Governor Romney is not a friend of coal and his record in Massachusetts proves it.
On the other hand, President Obama has taken an all-of-the-above approach to domestic energy production that will make the United States less dependent on foreign oil. And that approach includes a strong commitment to clean coal in Ohio and across the country-a commitment shared by Ohio Senate Democrats.
Sen. Eric H. Kearney
Ohio Senate Minority Leader
