Delegates John Doyle and Sammi Brown met with Secretary of Commerce Ed Gaunch and Michael Graney, Director of the West Virginia Development Office, to explain why the Rockwool Insulation Plant should not be located in Jefferson County.

“It was imperative for us to bring the voices of Jefferson County directly to the Department of Commerce and West Virginia leadership,” Brown said.

Both delegates are concerned with the environmental impact and a negative net impact to the economy.

“There are serious health and environmental concerns with the amount of pollution Rockwool will bring,” Doyle said. “Moreover, 150 new jobs at the plant will drive many hundreds of other jobs away because of the negative impact the pollution will have on both our tourism and agriculture sectors of the economy. Tourism and agriculture comprise a large portion of our economy in Jefferson County.”

Brown prioritizes economic development in the district, but not with the community this split concerning Rockwool.

“It is clear to me our community is divided over this issue,” Brown said. “Before we can discuss development and industry, we first have to address the deep distrust this one decision has created here at home.”

Doyle agrees.

“I’m convinced the overwhelming majority of our citizens don’t want Rockwool in our midst,” Doyle said.