our customers to support the global economy ,” Rine says . “ Inconsistencies in transit , service delivery failures and rate increases make us less competitive than alternative sources . We hope to see positive changes in the rail industry , including legislation , that will make rail more viable in the future .”
These inconsistencies are proving detrimental to organizations throughout the state . According to Hamilton , rail service for the first quarter of 2023 has improved but remains problematic in many areas of the state .
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics , 54,539 train derailments occurred between 1990 and 2021 , for an average of 1,704 per year , causing not only delays in delivery , but harm and damage to those communities .
Inflation only further amplifies the railway challenges , along with most other aspects of manufacturing or energy production .
“ Like all businesses , the added costs associated with materials , products , labor and supply chain issues — to name but a few — directly affect operating budgets and the ability to hold down prices that eventually get passed on to the consumer ,” Burd says .
Profit margins for many have reduced as the cost of doing business increases . While costs are increasing , the ability to continue operation often poses its own difficulties .
Another hindrance for manufacturing and energy is permitting .
“ The coal industry requires predictable and stable permitting , which has improved greatly thanks to the efforts of industry and state regulators ,” says Hamilton . “ The remaining issues present when federal oversight agencies like the U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service complicate permitting at the very end of the process by failing to respond to permitting reviews . Additionally , the constantly changing requirements that are issued by the federal government , such as the ever-fluctuating Waters of the U . S . definitions and U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service permitting delays , continually frustrate permitting .”
Among other regulations posing permitting frustrations , pipeline regulations have made it increasingly problematic for West Virginia ’ s oil and gas industries to transfer its products .
“ The onslaught of appeals , challenges and lawsuits have dramatically increased . The fossil fuel industry is under attack every day . Moving oil , natural gas and associated liquids by pipeline has been demonstrated as safe , reliable , environmentally friendly and cost effective ,” says Burd . “ Thousands of everyday , common products are made from the use of the natural gas , oil and associated liquids we produce . We need commonsense intervention on the construction of pipeline and manufacturing facilities that make gasoline and millions of other products needed by all Americans .”
While hurdles are seemingly everywhere , these industries are doing their best to jump over barriers and find success in spite of the challenges faced . When one West Virginia business thrives , the entire state reaps the benefits . •
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