Written by Tim Moore Wednesday, 25 March 2009 06:21
WASHINGTON - Recognizing the importance of coal as both a critical energy source and a vital part of the Kentucky economy, U.S. Representative Ed-Whitfield (KY-01) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to re-introduce legislation which would advance the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
"Coal is not only our nation's most abundant energy resource, but an
important part of our economy, particularly in Kentucky," Whitfield
said. "There are some who would like to eliminate coal from our energy
portfolio, but I do not believe that to be either practical or prudent.
By advancing Carbon Capture and Storage technology and deployment we
can ensure an environmentally responsible role for coal in our energy
future."
Whitfield helped introduce the Carbon Capture and Storage Early
Deployment Act to advance clean coal technologies essential to the
nation's most abundant natural resource - coal. The legislation would
establish a $1 billion annual fund, derived from fees on the generation
of electricity from coal, oil and natural gas. Grants from the fund
will be awarded to large-scale projects advancing the commercial
availability of CCS technology. CCS is a method of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions by capturing and injecting underground the carbon dioxide
emitted from electricity generation plants that use fossil fuels.
Similar legislation was introduced and championed by Whitfield in the
110th Congress.
Whitfield is committed to ensuring that western Kentucky coal remains
part of the nation's energy portfolio. He has been a staunch supporter
of new clean coal technologies that enable coal to be used in a manner
that is both more efficient and environmentally friendly. Whitfield
recognizes that in order for these technologies to move forward, the
federal government must do its part to support these efforts.
If severe emissions reduction requirements are imposed before carbon
capture and storage technologies are available, the result would be a
rapid switch from coal to other fuels. Such fuel switching would
significantly increase electricity prices to the detriment of both
residential and industrial consumers.
Western Kentucky is a leading producer of coal in the United States and
the industry has a huge economic impact on the region. Western Kentucky
produced an estimated 28 billion tons of coal in 2006 and the industry
employs approximately 3,000 people in western Kentucky. Butler,
Henderson, Hopkins, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union and Webster
counties lead the First Congressional District in coal production.
The bipartisan bill was introduced today by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA).
Other original cosponsors, in addition to Whitfield, are Rep. Fred
Upton (R-MI), Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Rep.
Nick Rahall (D-WV), Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), Rep. Jerry Costello
(D-IL), Rep. Tim Holden (D-PA), Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Rep. Artur
Davis (D-AL), Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA), Rep. Baron Hill (D-IN), Rep. G.K.
Butterfield (D-NC) and Rep. Charlie Wilson (D-OH).
Tim Moore - News Director
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Home Page: http://isurfhopkinsco.com
Madisonville – Hopkins County Kentucky
Hopkins, Webster, Muhlenberg, Daviess, Christian, Caldwell, and Henderson County KY
