Lesson from Iowa — voters want change

                                    

Last night, political pundits watching the results of the Iowa caucus were talking that the theme of this upcoming election was going to be change.

As most of you know, ABEC has been active on the ground in Iowa and other early primary/caucus states because we’re talking about change too. Like most of the candidates I heard make speeches last night, we’re talking about protecting America’s energy independence. We’re talking about helping American working families and strengthening our economy by keeping energy costs low. And — despite the fact that some of critics are failing to notice — we’re talking about the signature environmental issues of our generation: using advanced technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the utility sector in response to climate change concerns.

If we are to have policies that protect our energy independence, keep energy costs low, and protect the environment, we have to change the debate. Accomplishing all of these goals does not mean less coal, it means more investment in America’s most abundant energy resource … coal.

I can make that statement because we have a great record over the past 30 years of doing just that. We’re expanded the use of coal to meet America’s growing energy demand, improved air quality, and kept electricity prices low for consumers. With success like that, I guess I’m surprised that anyone doubts we can do more going forward.