Stacking the deck against coal

Minot Daily News, Minot, N.D.: Talk about stacking the deck: The Environmental Protection Agency has released information on its “Public Listening” sessions to hear opinions on its proposed new regulations for coal-fired power plants.

Surprise, surprise: Most of the feedback supported the EPA’s plan, which would make it virtually impossible to build new coal-fired power plants.

Perhaps our sarcasm is showing. But consider where the EPA held its “listening sessions.” They were in Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, .; and, of course, Washington, D.C.

There were no hearings anywhere near “coal country,” like North Dakota or anywhere else. Just as bad, the EPA managed to avoid most places where coal is a major component of the electric power mix.

Unfortunately, the EPA’s itinerary is perfectly legal. It also is perfectly dishonest. Agency officials obviously planned the “tour” to ensure their position would be supported by most people attending their hearings.