HOPKINS COUNTY, KY - This week, leaders from across the globe are meeting in Copenhagen for the United Nations Climate Change Conference. This significant meeting aims to unite world leaders, including President Obama, to develop an international strategy to combat global warming.

While we are all committed to protecting our planet for the well being of future generations, we must be mindful of the impact setting unreasonable carbon emission standards will have on our nation.

President Barack Obama has announced plans to commit the United States to a 17% reduction in carbon emissions by 2020. While the President’s commitment is not legally binding, as only Congress has the ability to create new laws and the U.S. Senate must ratify any international treaty, this proposal is very similar to the standards called for in the climate change legislation passed in the House of Representatives this summer. I opposed this legislation and share the concerns of many of my fellow Kentuckians over the President’s proposal and the position his commitment in Copenhagen will put our nation. Agreeing to lower emissions at such a rapid rate before we have the technology in place to actually meet these standards poses grave consequences to our already faltering economy, particularly in Kentucky.

The President’s proposal for curbing carbon emissions could force Kentuckians to pay sky high energy costs during an economic crunch while crippling the Commonwealth’s coal industry. Coal continues to be the most economical way to produce electricity. A commitment to reduce carbon emissions as President Obama proposes would drive up the cost of using coal significantly and, hence, electricity prices would increase. Not only would this increase costs for consumers, but also for businesses, which would, in turn, drive up costs for all goods and services. Furthermore, the coal industry is a critical part of the Kentucky economy, employing thousands of people and generating millions of dollars for local economies. During tough economic times, we must do everything we can to protect jobs, not threaten them.

Furthermore, any commitment on the part of the U.S. to curb carbon emissions must be met by similar commitments from other nations. While countries such as China and India have announced their own plans to reduce emissions ahead of the conference in Copenhagen, concerns remain about their significance relative to proposals from other nations such as the United States. If the U.S. commits to reducing emissions without comparable commitments from other nations, not only will this make our emissions reduction nearly insignificant in terms of protecting our planet, but it will put American businesses at a significant disadvantage.

As the United States moves forward addressing climate change, it is essential we balance the need for cleaner fuel sources against the need for protecting jobs in the U.S. and keeping our country competitive in the global market place. In the coming year I will continue my efforts to ensure consumers are protected and that Kentucky coal continue to play a role in our nation’s energy portfolio.

Information provided to iSurf by U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield.

Karen Orange – iSurf News