Count on Coal campaign forcing candidates to take sides in the 'war on coal'

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New billboard advertising in six battleground states across the country is asking voters if they know where candidates stand on coal use and affordable electricity. The recently launched Count on Coal campaign (www.countoncoal.org) has placed more than 150 billboard ads in six states highlighting the value of coal to our nation, its abundance and the affordable electricity it provides.  The ads call into question the recent policy decisions made by the Environmental Protection Agency that have been harmful to American coal and will result in higher electricity rates for American businesses and homes. In Virginia, elected officials are taking note, among them U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith and Virginia State House Delegate Tim Hugo.

Congressman Morgan Griffith (VA-9) commented, "Coal is critical to ensuring affordable American energy for the future of our country. Coal is affordable and reliable and generates more than 40 percent of our nation's electricity. Too many lawmakers in Washington have ignored President Barack Obama's War on Coal. It's time for people to stand up and say that they're proud of coal and what it can do for America. The Count on Coal campaign is important to Virginians because it is educating the public that coal is not just about mining jobs, it's about creating all types of jobs, supplying affordable electricity for families, businesses and doing it in a reliable, trusted way."

"The Count on Coal campaign being here in Virginia is important", said Republican Delegate Tim Hugo of Northern Virginia's 40th District and Majority Caucus Chairman in the House. "Affordable electricity for consumers and manufacturers is essential here in Virginia and coal simply makes that happen. Coal is also a mainstay in supplying thousands of jobs in our commonwealth. I, for one, am glad Count on Coal is spreading the word and hope the folks in Washington get the message--loud and clear," Hugo added.

Count on Coal is running the current advertising campaign in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Missouri and Montana. All these states take advantage of using abundant and affordable American coal to generate a significant part of their state's electricity.

About Count on Coal:  Count on Coal is dedicated to educating communities about the value of coal to America and to enlighten lawmakers about how coal keeps our electricity rates low with America's most abundant and affordable energy resource.