In Senator Jay Rockefeller’s statement on Inhofe Resolution, Rockefeller argues that the resolution of disapproval is unsafe and a threat to many jobs of West Virginians. This sixteen minute speech was given on June 20, 2012 in front of the state senate. The Inhofe Resolution of disapproval is a resolution wanting to block the Environmental Protection Agency’s MACS or MACT rule. The rule limits mercury, acid gases, and other toxic pollution from power plants. The resolution of disapproval was proposed by Senator James Inhofe, who wanted to block the rule to “end Obama’s war on coal.” Rockefeller suggests that the senate should commit to a “smart action plan” that will help the continuation of using coal in the future. Overall, Senator Rockefeller …show more content…
He also states that it will put many people out of jobs, especially the coal miners. He mentions many times in his speech that he cares about the coal miners and the people of West Virginia. Rockefeller served as the senator for West Virginia from 1985 to 2015. With him being the West Virginia senator for so long, he compares this resolution to things that have happened in the past, like the auto industry. He compares them by saying the auto industry also resisted change for decades. He states “instead of facing the challenges and making tough decisions like men of a different era, they are abrogating their responsibilities to lead.” By saying this, Rockefeller is implying that the coal industry needs to make some …show more content…
He believes there are other ways to end Obama’s war on coal than to put the lives of coal miners and their families at risk. Using clean coal is one alternative Rockefeller presents instead of blocking the EPA’s rules on the pollutant gases. The safety of West Virginians is in his best interest. This speech reflects his ideas and beliefs about the past, present, and future use of coal. He supports the EPA’s rules on limiting mercury, acid gases, and other toxic pollution from power plants. His concern for his fellow West Virginians is insured many times in this speech. “We have the chance here to not just grudgingly accept the future—but to boldly embrace it.” Rockefeller ends his speech with this statement to show his confidence in the coal industry and confidence in West