1/16/2003

Coal Truck Bill To Be Introduced

Metronews Talkline
Charleston

Representatives of two different sides on the overweight coal truck bill say they do not consider legislation addressing the situation to be a backburner issue this session.

Both the coal industry and the most outspoken supporter of limiting truck weight limits are preparing to propose legislation addressing truck weight limits this session.

Marion County Delegate Mike Caputo says he'll introduce the same bill on Monday that he introduced during last year's special session on the overweight truck issue. He says the bill will hold weight limits to 80,000 pounds.

Caputo looks at the quick start the legislative session's taken as a plus for his bill. He says addressing major issues like workers' comp and medical malpractice early will clear up time to address overweight trucks.

When Caputo's bill is introduced, though, the coal industry will be quick to follow. The President of the West Virginia Coal Association is Bill Rainey. He says there will be what he considers a "compromise" bill introduced addressing overweight trucks. It would allow trucks to run legally at 125,000 pounds.

The overweight truck legislation eventually stalled in Special Session after it spilled over in last year's legislative session.

Both Caputo and Rainey were guests on Thursday's MetroNews "Talkline."