Congressman McKinley participated in America’s Energy Agenda: New Prices, New Policies?, a panel discussion on energy issues hosted by POLITICO.

During the discussion, Congressman McKinley advocated for a comprehensive energy strategy that will both stimulate the economy and protect the environment. He referenced the Obama administration’s rules and regulations that have hindered job growth while having a negligible impact on climate change.

McKinley stated, “We’re starting to connect the dots that the cost of energy is going to affect our economy…it’s not just the men in the coal mines, but the communities.” The Administration’s policies have been particularly harmful to West Virginia.

“I come from a coal state. Eight years ago we had the seventh best employment rate in the country. Now, eight years into this Administration and we are fifty-first…We’ve seen the impact of not addressing energy in a straightforward way,” said McKinley.

Congressman McKinley was joined by Senator Angus King (I-Maine), President of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy Lisa Jacobson, and Scott Segal from Bracewell. The panel was moderated by Nick Juliano.