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Security Must Play Critical Role in Energy Discussions During Both Conventions, Industry Group Says

DENVER-(Business Wire)-August 27, 2008 - The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) issued this statement here today urging political leaders to include domestic independence in dialogue surrounding energy policy:

“More than 70 percent of the oil used for transportation purposes here in the United States comes from foreign sources.

“Because of this country’s reliance on coal, U.S. consumers are fortunate to leverage domestic fuels used for electricity production here at home.

“With a 200+ year supply, the United States has more energy in the form of coal than the Middle East has oil.

“The United States has more coal than any other fuel. A quarter of all known coal reserves in the entire world is here in America, and large coal deposits can be found in 38 states.

“Ingenuity will further propel this country towards new and innovative ways to utilize coal that addresses energy independence, economic and environmental needs.

“As mentioned by many Democratic National Convention speakers last evening, there are a myriad of opportunities to leverage domestic coal to fuel other needs, including transportation. The possibility of plug-in hybrid vehicles running on electricity produced by domestic fuels not only promotes energy independence, but also reduces emissions produced by the transportation sector.

“ACCCE advocates the vital role that clean coal plays and will continue to play in this nation’s energy portfolio. Over the last 30 years, America’s coal-based electricity providers have invested more than $50 billion in technologies to successfully reduce emissions. If Congress calls on the coal-based electricity sector to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, technology will be vital to address the requirement, at the same time protecting American consumers and businesses from exorbitant electricity rate increases.

“If the United States is to reduce its dependence on foreign energy imports, while at the same time address realistic concerns associated with climate change, then Congress must fund this important technology research, development and deployment to avoid placing the funding burden on America’s families through increases in electricity bills.”

*Note to journalists: ACCCE executives are available in Denver to address energy issues. Contact: Brad Jones – 703-585-3633 or bjones@cleancoalusa.org.

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