Last week, the America’s Power Facebook page polled fans to see what issue they’d like to see Congress tackle in 2012. The answer isn’t surprising: most said jobs and the economy.
The coal industry is responsible for more than half a million jobs across the country, including Americans working to develop and implement clean coal technology. A few months ago, we highlighted three ways that coal can help create and maintain American jobs.
- Affordable Energy for Job Creators: Just ask any small business owner. The more affordable the electricity rates, the more flexible the budget. Meet Olivia Albright, a small business owner working with a tight budget. Olivia discusses how important low electricity rates are to her company, as it helps ensure the jobs of her employees, who “are like family.”
- Coal’s Direct and Indirect Jobs: The coal mining industry is responsible for more than 550,000 U.S. jobs—including 154,000 direct jobs and 400,000 indirect jobs.
- Advanced Coal Technology: According to a study ACCCE commissioned in 2010, deployment of clean coal technologies would create 150,000 jobs across 30 states, creating many high-skilled, high-wage American jobs.
Let’s keep Congress focused on getting Americans back to work this year. Tell them coal can get the job done.
The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is committed to the idea that America can have the affordable, reliable electricity we need, with the clean environment we want. ACCCE’s Behind the Plug blog is the place for up-to-date news and analysis on clean coal technology developments and energy policy progress.