On Friday, October 24, 2014, the Kentucky Coal Association (KCA) named Kentucky State Representative Jim Gooch, Jr. as its 2014 Coal Miner of the Year. This annual recognition is decided upon by the board of KCA, which represents leaders within Kentucky’s coal industry as well as other businesses who are dependent on the mining of coal for their livelihoods.
“As an elected leader from the Western Kentucky coalfield and the leader of the House Natural Resources Committee, Chairman Gooch is a proven leader who possesses a tremendous knowledge of Kentucky, its economy, and the direct connection between how we generate electricity and the economy of the Commonwealth,” said Bill Bissett, President of the KCA. After his sponsorship and leadership regarding the unanimous passage of 2014’s House Bill 388, we wanted to recognize Chairman Gooch’s service and tireless commitment to Kentucky’s coal production and use.” House Bill 388, the Kentucky General Assembly’s response to the Obama Administration’s proposed Greenhouse Gas regulations, requires any plan that is submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) be first approved by the General Assembly.
“I appreciate this recognition from KCA and thank them for this great honor,” said Chairman Gooch. “While I was a coal miner for more than two years with Island Creek Coal Company, I have never forgotten this experience and remain a strong believer in using Kentucky’s natural resources to create opportunities across the Commonwealth. Now, more than ever, we need to stand together against outside forces who want to change how Kentucky and this country create electricity, and these efforts, if successful, will have a negative impact on the affordable, reliable electricity that we enjoy today.”
Past recipients of KCA’s Coal Miner of the Year award include United States Congressman Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Jean Scruggs of James River Coal, the woman who suggested the creation of the popular Kentucky Friends of Coal License plate
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