{West Virginia}...Senator Joe Manchin and the United Mine Workers are inviting coal industry critic Democratic Representative John Conyers of Michigan to visit West Virginia. Manchin says Conyers insulted West Virginia during an environmental justice conference, suggesting miners find new jobs but also saying coal is all the state has. Tuesday, Manchin released a letter offering to show Conyers the Mountain State's many contributions to the country. He says the U.S. can't attain energy independence without coal. UMW President Cecil Roberts says he, too, was dismayed to hear Conyers call for the industry's shutdown. Roberts says more than 100,000 Americans are directly involved in coal production, with another 300,000 providing direct support for the industry. That includes railroad workers who move it and power plant workers who burn it for electricity.
