RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly have now approved extended coal-related tax credits by veto proof margins, putting Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe in a tight spot.
The House approved the measure by a wide margin Friday.
The governor vetoed similar legislation last year and Democrats in the General Assembly helped sustain the veto. He has also spoken out this year against extending the credits.
But with significant Democratic support for extending coal tax credits this year, McAuliffe potentially faces a tough choice: sign a bill he doesn't like or risk his perfect record on having vetoes sustained.
Republican supporters of the measure said it was necessary to help southwest Virginia's hard-hit coal industry. But McAuliffe and environmental groups say the credits don't work as intended.
