Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe yesterday spoke about the importance of growing Virginia’s coal industry, even though he has previously spoken of moving completely past coal as an energy resource.
Speaking in Bristol, Va., McAuliffe argued that he could really help the coal industry.
"I was over at Alpha Natural Resources talking about what they need done to make sure we have a healthy work force of coal, that coal can continue," McAuliffe told reporters. "We need to make sure we do what we need to, to make sure this vital industry here in Virginia continues to grow. I can really help them on exports; to open up those Asia markets in China and Korea. As governor, I want to help them create more jobs to help exports around the world."
This is directly opposite to the stance McAuliffe took during his failed 2009 run for governor. McAuliffe stated during that race that he "never wants another coal plant built."
The comment, unearthed by America Rising, came during a Democratic primary debate: