State (WV) Leads Nation in Growth

[MountainLaurel]

Well, whoda thunk it?

In recent months, West Virginia has bucked the national economic calamity, and has actually led the nation in economic growth since May, a report issued Tuesday by the Rockefeller Institute of Government indicates.

The report "The Damage is Just Beginning" examines how the economic downturn is likely to affect state government budgets, and cites figures showing that West Virginia was one of only 12 states to have an increase in economic activity from May through August.

West Virginia's economy grew by 2.2 percent during that period, followed by Louisiana, with 0.7 percent growth, and Texas, at 0.6.

At the other end, 36 states experienced an economic downturn during the three months, with Nevada (-2.1 percent) and Pennsylvania (-1.6 percent) hardest hit.

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200810070769

[WVRICK13]

1. WV Growth

I am both pleased by the growth and saddened by the reason. Our economy grew largely because of the increase in coal usage. That is good for our state economy and bad for our environment. It's hard to win today.

[Boomerwv]

2. Coal is important.

Coal isn't the devil. There are ways to make it better and we are working on those. We can reduce CO2 emmissions and still use coal.

I'll get behind a fight to stop mountain top removal, but I think coal has a place in our energy future.

[LG1]

3. Too Right

Boomer, you are too right. there is a place for clean coal technology in WV. I too will fight behind Mountaintop removal.

[MadAnne]

4. Didn't the UMW also agree to get behind

putting a stop to MTR?