1/23/2003

Coal Truck Bill Introduced

Staff
State Capitol

Marion County Delegate Mike Caputo is not giving up his fight against overweight coal trucks.

Caputo introduced legislation dealing with overweight trucks Wednesday. Caputo and a few of his co-sponsors want to strictly enforce the current 80,000 pound weight limit. He says he's ready to fight the fight, the issue is here and it must be dealt with.

Caputo remains confident the studies and statistics are on the side of the people. He says if the issue makes it to the floor they'll debate both sides of it and members will just have to vote according to their conscience. Caputo says residents elect legislators to make the tough decisions and that's what they have to do. He says regardless of their position, residents are upset the issue is still in limbo.

Legislation aimed at increasing enforcement while maintaining the current 80-thousand pound weight limit failed during a special session last summer.

West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney echoes Caputo's sentiments when he says the issue needs to be resolved. He says he hopes lawmakers take up the issue for the sake of those who own coal trucks. Raney says right now the environment is unpredictable and that needs to be taken care of. Like Caputo, Raney admits there is still a lot of interest in the issue and people want to see a resolution no matter what it is.