FACES Holds Pro-Coal Rally in Downtown Louisville

by Stephanie CrosbyA group called FACES – the Federation for American Coal, Energy and Security – held a rally this morning in downtown Louisville in support of the coal industry.FACES Executive Director Phil Osbourne says Louisvillians can think of coal as a eastern Kentucky issue, but it’s really an issue for the whole state. He says Kentucky has the fourth lowest energy costs in the country because of the state’s coal industry – and that affects everyone.American Small Business Partnership Chairman Hollis Smith says low energy costs are a big reason businesses choose to locate here.“Why else would they be here?" said Smith. "Kentucky is a beautiful state and a great place to live, but when it comes to a board room decision or a small business decision its low energy costs in our state.”A number of Republican candidates in upcoming elections spoke at the event, including Rand Paul and Trey Grayson – who are running for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. All the Republican candidates for the Third District Congressional seat were there: Larry Hausman, Todd Lally, Brooks Wicker and Jeff Reetz. Mayoral candidate Chris Thieneman also spoke.