"Manchin Expected To Sue EPA Over Mining Permits"

"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin has scheduled a press conference Wednesday morning where he is expected to announce that the state is filing suit against the federal government over the Obama administration's crackdown on mountaintop removal coal mining.

Late Tuesday, the governor's office announced the 9 a.m. press conference where Manchin would 'discuss the coal mine permitting process in West Virginia.' The release said 'various representatives from the coal-mining community' would join Manchin at the event.

Sources said the governor was expected to announce a long-anticipated lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, but administration officials declined to confirm those details until Manchin makes his announcement."

Democrat Manchin, once considered a shoo-in for Robert Byrd's Senate seat, is now struggling to keep up with Republican candidate John Raese.

Ken Ward Jr. reports for the Charleston Gazette October 5, 2010.