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West Virginia readies to host only Clean Power Plan repeal hearing

Charleston, W.Va., will play host to a political showdown Nov. 28 and 29 as lawyers, politicians, environmental groups, concerned citizens and others descend on the Appalachian city for a public hearing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's repeal of the Clean Power Plan.

The hearing is the only event scheduled for the public to air their support or opposition for the EPA's plan to dismantle the Obama administration rule, which would have required existing fossil fuel power plants to clean up emissions of carbon. Outside of the hearing, the agency is also accepting written comments on the proposal until Jan. 16, 2018.

The preliminary schedule for the hearing is stacked with speakers from environmental groups, the coal industry, politicians and environmental justice groups.

Murray Energy Corp., which produced 40.5 million tons of coal in 2015 according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, will have a number of speakers, including CEO Robert Murray.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will also speak. Morrisey has been one of the Clean Power Plan's leading opponents. He welcomed the EPA's trip to his state to host the only hearing for the rule's repeal, noting that the Obama administration never visited the coal-heavy state during its tour to promote and take comment on the Clean Power Plan.

"Our office has been a leader in fighting against the Obama-era Power Plan. I'm glad the EPA selected Charleston as the setting for this crucial hearing, where its leaders will be able to hear from those directly impacted by this unlawful regulation," Morrisey said in a Nov. 2 press release.

Other coal and power industry speakers include the West Virginia Coal Association, Arch Coal Inc., National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, American Petroleum Institute, United Mine Workers of America, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, Electric Reliability Coordinating Council, American Electric Power Co. Inc., Kentucky Coal Association, American Coal Council, Utility Air Regulatory Group, and other coal and power industry speakers.

Environmental and public health groups will also be heavily represented, including the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, American Lung Association, Moms Clean Air Force, Union of Concerned Scientists and Environmental Defense Fund as well as a handful of local green groups. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and other social and environmental justice groups also will have numerous speakers.

Outside of the hearing, the environmental groups have planned several events, including protests, panel discussions and press conferences.

The Nov. 28 schedule can be viewed here, and the Nov. 29 schedule is available here.