WV’s Mountain Party accepts challenge from Coal Lobby;

Proposes Transactions Fee to Fund Environmental R & D

At the FRIENDS OF COAL FORUM in Martinsburg, WV on 4 September 2013, Mr. Chris Hamilton of the WV Coal Association publicly challenged anyone "to debate or engage in lively discussion" in response to a question about the environmental and safety record of WV Coal, which came from an unidentified member of the public at the time.

Hamilton’s challenge was promptly accepted by Daniel Lutz, 16th District State Executive Committee Representative of the Mountain Party of West Virginia. At the time, Hamilton promised to "consider this response." Lutz also handed a written acceptance of that challenge to WV Coal Association President Bill Raney.

Mr. Lutz also asked if coal industry leaders would consider supporting a Transactions Fee upon all electronic and exchange traded financial instruments, a portion of which monies (20% proposed), would be earmarked for the equivalent of a MANHATTAN PROJECT-style national program focused upon energy self sufficiency within 5 years. Lutz’s proposal includes using the generated funds to research and develop the highest and best uses of coal, and tackling long standing environmental concerns associated with the coal industry.

Still at the podium, Hamilton attempted to laugh off Lutz’s question, exclaiming "that is above my pay grade!" Attorney and Coal Industry lobbyist Gene Trisko, advised Hamilton that "this man may have given us exactly what we need, a mechanism to fund our research and development. I suggest we look closer at this proposal."

One month has passed since the Mountain Party accepted the challenge.

The MOUNTAIN PARTY of West Virginia stands ready to engage in a MOUNTAIN FORUM to present a "debate or lively discussion" of the issues facing WV and the Energy Industry. To date, no response has come from the WV COAL ASSOCIATION, or the operators it represents.

Contact: Daniel P. Lutz,

District 16 - Executive Committee Rep., Mountain Party of WV

Phone 304-886-5771 - E-mail - p.lutz007@gmail.com

Issued by: Tom Rhule, Communications Director -

phone 304 989 1629 - E-mail - mountainpartywv@gmail.com