Coal miners rally against Obama administration’s curbing of mountaintop removal coal mining

Coal miners rally against Obama administration

WASHINGTON — Hundreds of coal miners are rallying on Capitol Hill against the Obama administration’s attempts to rein in mountaintop removal mining.

The miners from the Appalachian region roared Wednesday as politicians from both parties criticized the Environmental Protection Agency for what they called job-killing policies.

The industry-backed group Faces of Coal paid for most of the travel and lodging expenses for the coal miners, who came from states like West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. Speakers included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and country music singer Stella Parton.

A rival rally was planned later in the day by opponents of mountaintop removal, featuring country music performer Big Kenny.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Hundreds of coal miners are rallying on Capitol Hill against the Obama administration’s attempts to rein in mountaintop removal coal mining.

The miners from the Appalachian region roared Wednesday as politicians from both parties criticized the Environmental Protection Agency for what they called job-killing policies.

The industry-backed group Faces of Coal paid for most of the travel and lodging expenses for the coal miners, who came from states like West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. Speakers included Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and country music singer Stella Parton.

A rival rally was planned later in the day by opponents of mountaintop removal, featuring country music performer Big Kenny.