In his column, Tomblin said the US was at danger of losing its status as a world power if the EPA had its way.

“The EPA’s proposed rules would establish unreasonable limits on carbon dioxide emissions devastating West Virginia and our region by eliminating jobs and unnecessarily increasing the cost of power across the country,” he said.

“It means our manufacturers may again be forced to look overseas for reasonable electric rates, taking with them good paying jobs to countries that do not allow bureaucratic agencies to mandate power choices.

“As Governor, as a West Virginian and as an American I find it outrageous this administration would willingly put our country at a distinct disadvantage, especially when it comes to creating opportunities for our young people and security for our seniors.

“We must have reasonable electric rates to continue to be a world power and the proposed regulations would put that status in grave peril.

“Rate increases would become an unfair, unreasonable financial burden that would take money out of the pockets of hardworking people and cause significant consequences to our economy.

“We cannot give up on economic growth but inadequate electricity supplies will restrict economic expansion at a time when our national electric infrastructure is strong enough to support it.”

Tomblin said government could not inhibit the private sector’s opportunity to grow and expand the US economy.

“The new rules would not only devastate our coal mining communities, they would have a significant impact on our coal miners, working families, seniors, small businesses, the dedicated workers who generate electricity and power our state’s economy and all who pay an electric bill not only in West Virginia but across the country,” he said.

“Since the proposed rules were introduced in June, we have been told over and over that states will have flexibility to meet these new standards but the EPA’s renewable energy goal for West Virginia – an increase of 600% – is simply unattainable.

“Cost-competitive renewable energy is not available in our state.

“The EPA must establish goals based on available resources and technology, not far-fetched benchmarks.

“There are a number of academic and economic arguments against these proposed rules and I will continue to make that case.

“However, this issue is also extremely personal for me.

“Growing up in the heart of coal country and as a proud son of West Virginia coalfields as someone who continues to make his home there, I see the faces behind these numbers.

“When the EPA’s regulations force mines to close, I know the men and women who will lose their jobs, the families who are at risk of losing their homes, and the sons and daughters forced to move away to find work.”