A clean coal project to ‘put Western New York on the map’

If you live in Western New York, you might have heard about a proposal to build an advanced clean coal power plant in Jamestown, N.Y.

According to the Buffalo News, the project “could put Western New York on the map as a showcase for a new, less polluting coal technology that could capture up to 95 percent of its carbon dioxide emissions.”

“Typically, it’s the environmentalists pushing for extras to reduce harmful emissions and cut down on pollution,” the Buffalo News wrote. “This time, it’s the developers touting the plant’s added environmental features.”

Projects like these are a component of a comprehensive energy policy that not only protects our environment, but also provides for economic growth and prosperity. The only way we can realistically reduce our carbon dioxide emissions is to spur investments in carbon capture and storage projects. As I explained in our new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, it’s important for the government to increase investments in clean coal technology so that we can continue to pursue even lower emissions profiles for coal-based power plants and keep energy costs affordable for the American consumer.

There are always risks involved in bringing new technologies to the marketplace. In many cases, we’re talking about first-of-their-kind, first-of-their-scale technologies. By having the federal government share the financial responsibilities with companies that are funding these technology demonstrations, we’re insulating consumers from bearing 100 percent of the risk of those technology advancements.

Let’s work together to make sure America has the reliable electricity we need, while protecting the environment and keeping energy costs affordable for consumers.