CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Young members of the West Virginia Democratic Party are embracing environmental causes, to the concern of some party members.

Earlier this year, the West Virginia Young Democrats passed a resolution calling for an end to mountaintop removal mining. The group also joined calls for Bayer CropScience to eliminate stockpiles of some chemicals at its plant in Institute.

Danny Chiotos, head of the group's environmental caucus, says embracing green industries will help create jobs and boost the state's economy.

But Delegate Mike Caputo warns the attacks on mountaintop mining could divide the Democrats and provide an opening for Republicans to win over disaffected voters.

The Democratic Party at large rejected the anti-surface mining resolution at its convention this year.

Read more in Monday's Charleston Gazette.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Young members of the West Virginia Democratic Party are embracing environmental causes, to the concern of some party members.

Earlier this year, the West Virginia Young Democrats passed a resolution calling for an end to mountaintop removal mining. The group also joined calls for Bayer CropScience to eliminate stockpiles of some chemicals at its plant in Institute.

Danny Chiotos, head of the group's environmental caucus, says embracing green industries will help create jobs and boost the state's economy.

But Delegate Mike Caputo warns the attacks on mountaintop mining could divide the Democrats and provide an opening for Republicans to win over disaffected voters.

The Democratic Party at large rejected the anti-surface mining resolution at its convention this year.

Read more in Monday's Charleston Gazette.