West Virginia Young Democrats adopt two resolutions

by: Carnacki

Mon Apr 21, 2008 at 22:47:29 PM EDT

West Virginia Young Democrats Adopt Two Policy Resolutions During State Convention

APRIL 21, 2008 - The West Virginia Young Democrats adopted two resolutions during their annual state convention recently in Charleston . The first resolution recognizes the importance of mining in West Virginia while urging a moratorium on new mountaintop removal permits. WVYD President Rod Snyder commented, "The next generation of Democrats in West Virginia believes that mountaintop removal mining has the potential to inflict long-term environmental and economic damage to our state. WVYD supports alternative mining methods, enforcement of current environmental regulations, and increased investment in renewable energy sources."

The second resolution urges the state of West Virginia to adopt Election Day voter registration in order to facilitate higher voter turnout. "WVYD views Election Day voter registration as a way of reducing barriers to participating in elections. Young voters would be among the most likely demographic to take advantage of this change in the law if it were enacted in West Virginia ," said Snyder. The full text of both resolutions can be found on the WVYD website at www.wvyoungdems.org.

UPDATE:

Associated Press did a story on the resolutions:

The West Virginia Young Democrats have called for an end to new mountaintop removal mining permits, adding to a debate that pits factions of the Democratic coalition against each other in the country's second-largest coal-producing state.

But party leaders say they welcome the resolution as a contribution to the public discussion, and shrug off suggestions that it points to rifts among Democrats.

The Young Democrats -- with more than 30 active chapters for party members 36 and younger -- adopted a resolution at its state convention earlier this month calling for a moratorium on new mountaintop removal mining permits.

The move came after considerable debate and changes to the language, according to Rod Snyder, the group's president.