CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Approximately 200 coal industry supporters are telling Congress and the Environmental Protection Agency to stop holding up surface mining permits.

Coal miners, industry officials and others sent the message during a rally Wednesday at the state Capitol. The West Virginia Conservative Foundation organized the event to protest the EPA's decision to delay 79 applications for surface mine permits in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

The EPA says it wants changes before the permits are issued.

The Conservative Foundation likewise opposes federal cap-and-trade legislation aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Representative Mike Stuart says the industry is under attack even though it provides 40,000 direct jobs.

The group says it's planning more events for Morgantown and Princeton.