Beshear Returns From Washington, Says Environmental Regulation Is "Balancing Act"

Weeks after calling for the federal government to get off the state's back when it comes to coal regulation, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear had the chance to discuss the issue with the White House.Beshear returned this week from a meeting with other governors and the president. He says he talked with cabinet members about his frustrations with environmental restrictions on the coal industry."It is a balancing act and we all know that," says Beshear. "There are good regulations that protect the public, protect the environment. At the same time those have to be balanced with the need to allow a business to operate so it can employ people."Environmental groups have criticized Beshear for his comments about the EPA. Beshear says he believes there is a safe, ecologically-friendly way to use coal. Others disagree, saying that mining and burning coal both damage the environment.