War on coal is a war on the poor

Democrats like President Obama and Terry McAuliffe like to portray themselves as champions of lower-income Virginians. But Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has nailed it by pointing out that their “war on coal” (as an Obama adviser has described it) is really a war on the poor (“Obama climate adviser urges ‘war on coal,’” Web, June 25).

Mr. Obama’s new rules would essentially end the use of coal in power plants and manufacturing, a goal shared by Mr. McAuliffe, who has said that as governor he wouldn’t want another coal plant built in the state. That would all but shutter many southwest Virginia communities, destroying low- and middle-income jobs not only in the coal industry but also in stores, restaurants, car dealerships and other services in those towns.

The rules would also drive up the costs of utilities, plus the costs of goods and services, depending on affordable energy — meaning it would drive up the price of just about everything. Those hurt the worst: families with the least disposable income.

So why is Mr. Obama pursuing this climate-change vendetta? To mollify the limousine liberal, the MoveOn.org left wing of his party.

Next time you hear a Democrat such as Mr. Obama or Mr. McAuliffe complaining about Republicans favoring the rich, remember who is actually kowtowing to wealthy idealists at the expense of lower-income working families.


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