Workers at embattled Jefferson County coal plant look to Donald Trump to help their cause

STRATTON, Ohio -- Workers at the W.H. Sammis Plant in Stratton, a Jefferson County town consisting of the mammoth coal-fired plant and little more, say their employer is one of the last things keeping their area afloat.

So while their expectations for Donald Trump aren't lavish, they hope his presidency means they will have another ally as they battle to keep the plant from closing.

In an interview last week, members of the United Utility Workers of America Local 457, which represents 250 of the Sammis plant's 350-plus workers, praised Trump for last month rescinding an Obama-era environmental rule meant to prevent coal mining waste from seeping into waterways. They also expressed hope that the Trump administration will help the coal industry as it faces increased competition from natural gas and other energy sources.

"I hope he'll just ease up on coal a bit, and ease up on adding new costs," said Terry Minto, 50, of Richmond. "Because those costs get passed along to us, and ultimately, the rate payer."

Read more: http://www.cleveland.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/workers_at_embattled_jefferson.html