FOLEY, Ala. — Approximately 70 Foley High students gathered in the school’s library Wednesday afternoon to take part in a video chat with U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne.

Byrne hosted the 30-minute session for advanced-placement students at FHS, as well as AP students at Baldwin County Baker, Davidson, JU Blacksher and Saraland high schools.

In honor of Wednesday being Constitution Day, Byrne spoke about the U.S. Constitution.

This was followed by enabling students the opportunity to ask questions. Among them was FHS AP student Starr Gulledge, who asked Byrne about his thoughts on President Barrack Obama’s war on coal.

Byrne explained that coal is a common resource in the generation of electricity.

“All of the electricity you’ve got in that roon is generated from electricity from a coal-burning power plant,” he said.

Byrne said he opposed Obama’s idea of eliminating coal as a power source.

“By taking coal out of the mix, we’re going to make our utility bills 20 percent higher,” he told the students.

The congressman pinpointed local industry that would be affected by such an increase.

“Vulcan makes metal signs,” Byrne said. “They produce heat.”

He added that while he thought changes do need to be made, eliminating coal was not the answer.

“I’m against the war on coal,” Byrne said.

Other questions to the congressman during the session included when he first learned of Isis, whether he felt churches should be taxed and whether he thought additional limitations should be placed on corporations.

Byrne concluded the session by encouraging students to register and vote when they reach 18 or if they already were eligible.

“Every citizen in this country has rights but also has responsibilities,” he told the students. “Take that part of your citizenship very seriously.”