Both Biden & Palin support clean coal

Pretty much every network aired the vice presidential debate tonight. But I watched on CNN, which showed the real-time results of a focus group of undecided voters in Ohio.

One of the highest positive reactions in the focus group came when Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to investments in clean coal technology. The Delaware senator explained that he wants the United States to become world leaders so that we can export the clean technology to China and India, which are use coal users.

Responding to confusion over a comment he had made at a rope line last week, here's what he said: "My record, for 25 years, has supported clean-coal technology. A comment made at a rope line was taken out of context. I was talking about exporting that technology to China so when they burn their dirty coal it won’t be as dirty, it will be clean.”

In the meantime, we know Sarah Palin supports clean coal technology, meaning both candidates on stage tonight know that American coal is abundant, affordable and increasingly clean.

Comments

[Kelly Beninga]

Palin, Biden, and many of us support clean (CO2 free) coal. The problem is that it is myth today. No commercial coal plants exist with carbon capture and storage. The tag line "clean coal" is used as cover to continue building dirty coal plants.

Here is my challenge: Is the coal industry ready to stop building coal plants until they are equipped with CCS equipment? That is the true test of your dedication to clean coal.

[John Shepherd]

Sadly, no matter what Biden and Obama say now about supporting clean coal, oil, natural gas, or nuclear energy, they will not go against their party line. Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and other Democrat leaders will never allow non "Sierra Club" energy. We need a NEW Congress and mccain/PALIN 08.

[Tyler Wright]

First of all; The Coal Industry does not build "coal plants" they produce coal that is then sold to companies that use the coal to produce a product or service that is vital to the U.S economy. To clarify: Electric companies build electrical plants not the coal industry. Are you ready to live without electricity until technology can provide you with a "green" alternative that will allow you to continue the quality of life that you currently enjoy? That is the true test of your dedication to a "clean coal" or a "green" energy source.

[John]

Hey Kelly, have you thought that maybe one of the reasons we don't have technologies to capture and store CO2 today is that many environmental groups oppose funding for the technology partnerships needed to bring this technology to market?

It is time to invest in our energy future, and since it is clear that we will rely upon coal we need to put significant money toward those technologies.

[Janetta Smith]

I like the conveniences of the American life that I have worked for. Many enjoy them that have not and do not expect to work for them. Palin encouraged Americans to work to pass on what weave to our grandchildren. We are a nation of OIL users and must continue to do it safely and responsibily, "OUR OIL"; meanwhile converting to other energies and find new exportations of CLEAN ENERGY.

[Georgina]

Clean coal DOES NOT exist!!
Stop coming up with this rubbish!

[Bill from Texas]

Coal is not the answer. We need to improve coal technology, but the coal industry should pay for it themselves, why should the American taxpayer? The industry is awash in cash--they can afford R&D investments. Our money should help us find a real solution (read: alternative, renewable energy).

[jim d]

hi clean coal it is hard to do but they are trying. i burn coal it is great heat and i think more americans are going back to coal burning i love it. we have a great supply in pa. jim.

[Kelly Beninga]

Tyler and John -

Using your definition of the "coal industry", it's just the mining companies that dig it up. Coal is a carbon, mercury, and sulfur filled mineral. How is that clean? The only way coal can become clean is through expensive CCS and scrubbing technology attached to power plants. If you proclaim that coal is clean, you have to be including the (mythical) clean coal power plants in your definition as well.

I could live just fine with plenty of electricity without building any new coal plants. Just stop building coal and build solar, wind, and nuclear instead. Existing coal plants can be phased out over the next 20 years as clean plants are phased in.

Also, DOE funding for clean coal technology has exceeded that for solar and other renewables for years. It is not being used by industry because it is not cost effective and there are currently no regulations requiring it.

[John]

Kelly, you probably need to check your facts. DOE's funding for coal R&D programs is roughly equal to what it spends on R&D for solar and wind. Considering that over 50% of our electricity comes from coal (compared to less than 2% for solar and wind), I'm not sure how you defend that as being right.

[Kelly Beninga]

John -

That's the extent of your arguments against my last post? The coal industry is huge and has been around for a couple of hundred years. Solar and wind are emerging technologies. Why can't the coal mining and power production industries pay for their own R&D, like drug companies for example? I think the answer is that the coal industry knows CCS will not be commercially cost effective, so why bother putting money into it. Better to just use it as a cover to continue building dirty coal.

[JC]

Biden does not support clean coal. He was pandering when he said that he did. While Senator Obama is from a coal state (Illinois) and does support it, his running mate does not agree with him.

[John]

Kelly, not trying to have an argument with you because you've already made up your mind. I'm just noting that if you're going to post a comment, it would be helpful if it were factual. Anybody can make stuff up.