"Regardless of the timing or method of the release of these remarks, themessage from the Democratic candidate for President could not be clearer: theObama-Biden ticket spells disaster for America's coal industry and the tens ofthousands of Americans who work in it.
"These undisputed, audio-taped remarks, which include comments fromSenator Obama like 'I haven't been some coal booster' and 'if they want tobuild [coal plants], they can, but it will bankrupt them' are extraordinarilymisguided.
"It's evident that this campaign has been pandering in states like Ohio,Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana and Pennsylvania to attempt to generate votesfrom coal supporters, while keeping his true agenda hidden from the state'svoters.
"Senator Obama has revealed himself to be nothing more than a short-sighted, inexperienced politician willing to say anything to get a vote. Buttoday, the nation's coal industry and those who support it have a betterunderstanding of his true mission, to 'bankrupt' our industry, put tens ofthousands out of work and cause unprecedented increases in electricity prices.
"In addition to providing an affordable, reliable source of low-costelectricity, domestic coal holds the key to our nation's long-term energysecurity - a goal that cannot be overlooked during this time of internationalinstability and economic uncertainty.
"Few policy areas are more important to our economic future than energyissues. As voters head to the polls tomorrow, it is essential they rememberthat access to reliable, affordable, domestic energy supplies is essential toeconomic growth and stability."
The Ohio Coal Association (OCA) is a non-profit trade associationrepresenting the interests of Ohio's underground and surface coal miningproducers. The OCA represents nearly 40 coal producing companies and morethan 50 Associate Members, which include suppliers and consultants to themining industry, coal sales agents and brokers and allied industries. TheOhio Coal Association is committed to advancing the development andutilization of Ohio coal as an abundant, economic and environmentally soundenergy source.        SOURCE Ohio Coal Association                                                                                                               

“Sen. John McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, have onceagain demonstrated that they are willing to say anything and doanything to win this election. Their latest twisting of the truth isabout coal and some comments Sen. Obama made last January about thefuture use of coal in America."