NMA President Calls for Streamlined Permitting and a Diverse Energy Portfolio
Washington, D.C. –The following statement was released today by National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn in advance of President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“The economy and jobs remain the American public’s top two priorities for the White House and Congress. The National Mining Association urges President Obama to support a forward-looking minerals policy that opens up access to our strategic supply of minerals and streamlines antiquated permitting processes, which discourage investment and related jobs. These critical minerals are vital to our global competitiveness and to our national security.
“We also call on the president to support a balanced approach to our nation’s energy policy that continues America’s economic recovery through a diverse energy mix that includes coal to provide stable, affordable and technologically-advanced power. American coal, which currently generates more than 42 percent of the nation’s electricity, consistently provides our most affordable and reliable energy. America’s abundant domestic coal resources can be a partner in America’s energy future—using advanced technologies to provide affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for the next generation.
“America’s mining industry has a broad impact on the national economy providing high-value jobs and making significant economic contributions in all 50 states, including directly and indirectly generating more than 1.98 million U.S. jobs. That’s because as a fundamental industry, mining supports jobs throughout the supply chain—in manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation and technology.”