Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., in the past has claimed to oppose Environmental Protection Agency plans for harsh new regulations affecting coal ash. But after what he described as an "evolution" in his thinking, Rockefeller joined other liberal senators in killing a measure that could have reined in the EPA.
U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., fought hard for an amendment to a major transportation funding bill. McKinley's amendment called for new safeguards regarding coal ash, but would have prevented the EPA from using its plan as another weapon in the White House war against coal.
With McKinley's amendment, the transportation bill passed the House of Representatives. But it was killed by a House-Senate conference committee - of which Rockefeller was a member.
Incredibly, Rockefeller continues to insist he's a friend to West Virginia coal miners. That brings up the old question: With friends like that, who needs enemies?
