The Facts: On world stage, coal is U.S. strength Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/12/2009 09:16:40 AM

As economic development in China and India soars – along with their energy appetite – so does worldwide competition for energy, making it ever more important that we use our domestic resources as efficiently and judiciously as possible.

We’ve talked before about the plethora of energy options available to us, including renewable sources such as solar and wind. They both have their strengths – and they both have their weaknesses. For all their potential, these sources currently aren’t reliable enough to provide the always-on security that we need.

That’s why coal-generated electricity is so important.

Consider this fact:

•With more than 250 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves, the United States has more coal than the Middle East has oil.

We are fortunate to have the energy resources that so many others don’t. We have enough coal to power America’s homes and businesses at current rates for more than 200 years.

We have enough coal to power our schools, our hospitals, our streets and our ball fields. We have enough coal to provide America with the energy security it needs—now and well into the future.

‘We’ve got to get back into the business of making stuff’ Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/09/2009 01:00:00 PM

The lack of government investment in energy research is increasing the risk to national security and hindering the creation of breakthrough energy technologies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Susan Hockfield told Bloomberg News last week.

As we approach Veterans Day, her message could not have rung truer. Hockfield said that the Obama administration’s request for $6.7 billion in U.S. energy-research funds “isn’t enough to move the U.S. toward energy independence.” (Her institution was the site of President Obama’s speech last month to highlight the nation’s need for clean energy.)

In order to create this technology, the government needs to invest in the research and development. And private industry wants to pitch in and lend a helping hand to its innovation.

More funding could build more robust public-private partnerships. Companies behind carbon capture and storage projects, such as Dominion’s Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center in Wise County, Va., and American Electric Power’s Mountaineer project in New Haven, W.Va., are already seeking federal stimulus funding to ensure more efficient generation of our most abundant energy supply.

Investing in our domestic energy supply – as Hockfield stressed – is essential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas.

But first, she said, “We’ve got to get back into the business of making stuff.” We agree.

‘We cannot leave America's energy future to others’ Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/06/2009 09:00:00 AM

The United States needs to take immediate steps to secure our energy future, wrote Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton in a St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial last week.

By increasing our energy independence through the use of our abundant domestic fuels and investing in technologies to make these fuels even cleaner, we can achieve that goal, he said.

Wrighton added that FutureGen, a proposed demonstration project for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in central Illinois, will allow us to do both.

“[It] is a key project that must move forward if we are to ensure that the technology will be viable on a large scale,” Wrighton wrote. “Capture and storage of CO2 will provide a sure option for the use of coal as a major energy resource with less environmental adversity.”

If successful, FutureGen will be one of the cleanest coal-generated power plants in the world.

And it’s on its way – in July, the U.S. Department of Energy certified that the project met environmental requirements and was safe to build. We applauded FutureGen project members for their hard work in ensuring that our nation's abundant coal supply will continue to provide affordable electricity while producing fewer emissions than ever before.

As Wrighton concluded, “The United States must be ready with the best technology in the world. We cannot leave America's energy future to others, because energy is so vital to our economic security.”

Senate begins work of finding right balance on climate bill Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/27/2009 02:55:16 PM

Today, the Senate began hearings on the Kerry-Boxer climate bill. In accordance with these hearings, Sen. Tom Harkin wrote a letter to Sen. John Kerry, a co-sponsor of the legislation, and Majority Leader Harry Reid addressing his concerns with the two fellow Democrats over the bill as it relates to coal.

“Utilities that are more coal dependant will need to purchase even more allowances than they would have if all allowances were allocated based on emissions, and those higher costs will be passed on to customers,” wrote Harkin, of Iowa.

Harkin’s concerns reflect the complexity of climate legislation. While he raises a valid point, more than likely the Kerry-Boxer bill will have an overarching effect on the proverbial energy infrastructure of this country.

This nation’s history of self-reliance and commitment to improving all aspects of our lives represents the approach we must take toward an energy plan. That is why ACCCE wants a federal climate bill that keeps consumer costs affordable while relying on coal as an abundant domestic fuel resource.

Thus, we are continuing to work with the Congress to help modify the Kerry-Boxer legislation to ensure a long-term commitment to clean coal technologies, as well as laying the groundwork for a reasonable timetable for compliance with regulations.

Harkin’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of coal gives credence to just how important a fuel source coal is and will remain.

Proposed gasification plant in Alaska could quadruple U.S. coal reserves Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/21/2009 09:00:00 AM

Source: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is advising Cook Inlet Region Inc., an Alaska native-owned corporation, about building a 100-megawatt underground coal gasification plant on a shore near Anchorage, Ala., reports The San Francisco Business Times.

Alaska has about one-sixth of the world’s coal resources, The Times says. UGC technology would allow the state to fully use otherwise unrecoverable coal deposits, effectively tripling or quadrupling the U.S.’s coal reserves, according to Lawrence Livermore. This would be a big boost toward increasing our energy independence.

For those who aren’t familiar, underground coal gasification converts coal that is still in the ground into a combustible gas, which can then be used for industrial heating, power generation or the manufacture of hydrogen, synthetic natural gas or diesel fuel.

The technology eliminates the need for coal to be mined, making it an environmentally safer and economically viable technology. Australia successfully demonstrated UGC on a commercial scale in 2008, and there are UGC projects underway in China, India and South Africa.

Cook Inlet Region Inc.’s $280 million UGC project is just one more example of our industry’s commitment to finding innovative ways to produce energy from coal. It would also help diversify Alaska’s current energy mix and provide a climate-conscious way to ensure greater energy security for the country.

OPEC oil embargo of 1973 reminds us of importance of energy independence Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/20/2009 09:00:00 AM

Now more than ever, it is critical for the United States to achieve energy independence, and certain historical markers remind us how important it is to achieve that goal.

Last weekend marked the 36th anniversary of the Second Arab Oil Embargo of 1973. Members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, embargoed oil for almost six months in response to the United States’ military policy toward Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

That act by OPEC had serious repercussions on the U.S. and global economy – and showed just how dependent the world was for foreign oil. The embargo nearly quadrupled the real price of crude oil at the refinery level and caused massive shortages in the U.S., resulting in long lines at the gas station and government-mandated energy cutbacks.

We cannot let that happen again. One way to increase our energy security is to use the affordable and reliable energy from American coal.

Coal generates electricity at one-third the cost of other fuels – and our country has more than 200 years of available coal reserves. We need to wean ourselves off foreign oil and start putting our most abundant domestic fuel to use on the road.

We can start by supporting hybrid technologies that make it possible for more vehicles to run on coal-generated electricity instead of gasoline.

We’ve been celebrating Energy Awareness Month since 1981 Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/12/2009 01:00:00 PM

President Obama this month announced October as National Energy Awareness Month – but did you know that the federal government has dedicated time each year to energy awareness since 1981?

Almost three decades ago, the U.S. Department of Energy set aside a week to remind Americans about the importance of saving electricity, which later turned into a month-long event. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush made October its observation period.

Since then, the DOE has launched annual campaigns to promote the efficient use of our nation’s energy.

The department has been particularly active in getting other federal agencies to be more conscious of their electricity usage. Not only does the effort help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it saves taxpayer dollars – the government spends more than $9 billion to power its operations and facilities throughout the country.

This year’s Energy Awareness Month has the same focus and values, but with an emphasis on a clean energy economy, energy security and developing clean energy technology.

And with climate change legislation moving through the Senate, these issues have never been more important.

So take some time to reflect on how you can help promote the efficient use of our nation’s energy – and if you want to share, leave us a comment.

Builders hold rally for coal plants in Michigan Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/08/2009 02:44:37 PM

On Tuesday, nearly 2,000 people – mostly ironworkers, electricians, carpenters and other builders looking for work – rallied outside the Michigan Capitol to demand action on the permitting of two new clean coal plants. The state air permits have been pending for two years.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s unemployment rate has climbed to 15.2 percent in August. As unemployment worsens, the pace of workers moving out of the state quickens. Michigan is shedding residents faster than a Siberian Husky loses fur in August. Michigan loses a family to outmigration every 12 minutes.

Given that climate, you would think Michigan’s leaders would quickly embrace projects that would create new jobs, pump money into the economy and provide affordable, reliable electricity for businesses and consumers.

You might think that, but you would be wrong. And that’s why nearly 2,000 mostly unemployed members of the building trades showed up Tuesday for the pro-coal plant rally in Lansing.

President Obama Declares October National Energy Awareness Month Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/05/2009 01:12:40 PM

We all know how passionate President Obama is about strengthening our energy security, creating green jobs and developing clean coal technology – so it’s no surprise that he recently declared October National Energy Awareness Month.

This special month will highlight our nation’s energy issues by promoting the importance of a clean energy economy and recognizing the companies and organizations that are committed to innovation in energy.

These two initiatives are important factors in strengthening our global competitiveness and securing our energy independence—two issues that should be brought into focus as climate change legislation moves through the Senate.

Honoring the folks who work hard to help us reach these goals is important. We’re particularly proud of those in our industry to make coal-generated electricity even cleaner, with cutting-edge technologies like carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC).

With technical and financial contributions to these emissions-reducing technologies, I’m confident we can become the world’s leading exporter in clean coal technology and exemplify how to jumpstart a depressed economy with technology.

How will you give thanks and show your support to members of the energy industry this month? Post a comment and let us know. And don’t forget to visit AmericasPower.org to check your knowledge of the country’s energy and environmental issues.

Listening to the energy concerns of real America Posted by Joe Lucas on 08/14/2009 12:47:52 PM

This week, Team Virginia focused on listening to the energy concerns of real America – people, as the team says, “who are struggling to pay their electric bill every month.”

The team was able to find those voices in two small towns south of Richmond: Franklin and Emporia. Walking down Main Street, the team members spoke to small business owners, customers, construction workers and even people eating breakfast.

Most of the townspeople agreed that the cost of energy needs to stay affordable.

Many people across the country express the same sentiment.

In our latest ad campaign, we spoke to three everyday Americans who are concerned with the climate change debate and want to make sure that – just like the residents of Franklin and Emporia – legislation keeps energy affordable.

Great work, Team Virginia! You hit the nail right on the head.

Take a look at the video, and make sure to explore our new campaign.

Creating energy independence with captured CO2 Posted by Joe Lucas on 08/12/2009 02:48:35 PM

We often talk about carbon capture and sequestration on Behind the Plug, but what happens after carbon dioxide gas is “captured?” Sure, we can store it in the sea, store it underground or feed it to algae, but there’s another thing we can do – we can use carbon dioxide to recover depleted oil fields.

This process is called enhanced oil recovery (EOR), a general term that describes methods to increase the amount of crude oil that can be extracted from an oil field. It can be done in many ways, but the most commonly used approach is to inject captured carbon dioxide into depleted oil fields to help jumpstart recovery.

Because EOR increases oil production here within our borders, it improves local economies and reduces our nation’s dependence on imported oil. Fortunately, the government is helping to fund and develop EOR projects all across the country.

America's Power hits downtown Richmond Posted by Joe Lucas on 08/07/2009 02:05:03 PM

When we say that America's Power^SM is hitting the streets, we mean it - literally.

This week, Team Virginia (we have teams in many key states across the country) stopped in downtown Richmond to get people excited about clean coal technology and its impact on the U.S. economy.

Free shirts and hats in hand, the team stormed the 17th Street Market, the State Capitol building, Richmond's business district and local food joints, Jo Jo's Pizza and Padow's Ham and Deli.

What did the team discover in Richmond? People are enthusiastic about clean and affordable energy and recognize the value of the coal industry - not only for powering Virginia homes, but for their efforts toward reducing the environmental impact of statewide coal consumption. And the free stuff, too!

Fixing the economy means going back to basics Posted by Joe Lucas on 02/23/2009 04:41:51 PM

Tomorrow night, President Obama will tell Congress that his highest priority is getting America’s economy back on track.

I couldn’t agree more.

Sometimes, getting back on track can be as simple as getting back to basics. And for the American economy and quality of life, affordable energy is truly a basic necessity.

Consider this: energy costs are second only to labor costs in determining the viability of a business in a given location. Thus, access to low-cost energy means stronger businesses and more jobs for American workers. Of course, for working families, lower energy costs mean more money to make ends meet in challenging economic times.

I believe affordable energy is critical to our economic recovery, and I would like to hear the president talk about how it is we are going to hold the line on rising energy costs as we meet more stringent environmental standards.

But that’s just my take. What would you like to hear? Tell us here at Behind the Plug, and click here to get involved in keeping energy affordable for American families.

Follow our commentary during President Obama's speech on Twitter.

Obama’s environmental balancing act Posted by Joe Lucas on 01/08/2009 02:17:22 PM

Last week, The New York Times provided some additional insight into President-elect Obama’s upcoming obstacles. The chief challenge: striking “the right balance between his environmental goals and his plans to revive the economy.”

This balance is something we’re all striving for. At ACCCE, we understand that there’s no silver energy buckshot. The president-elect himself has recognized the critical role that technology will play in an emerging climate policy, and we strongly support his plan to invest in the demonstrations of full commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects.

Keeping our options open sounds like a good strategy to me—especially given that 50 percent of our electricity is produced using coal. I’m not sure why anyone else would suggest doing anything to the contrary.

What a great ad on CNN.com! Posted by Joe Lucas on 12/17/2008 11:18:17 AM

I was reading the latest headlines on CNN.com a moment ago when I saw a flash ad by GE.

In the ad, GE Vice Chairman John Krenicki says,"The only way to solve the energy challenge is through technology."

He says that the solution will be in technology investments in "biomass, renewables, natural gas, nuclear, cleaner coal, subsea exploration, cleaning up water..."

After watching the ad, I have to say... I agree. We're going to need all of our domestic resources to meet the rise in electricity demand. I would add, of course, that our most abundant fuel source, coal, is going to continue to play a key role in meeting the energy challenge.

Note: General Electric Capital Corporation is a member of our organization.

Clean coal — it's more than just CO2 Posted by Joe Lucas on 12/11/2008 12:44:42 PM

An environmental special interest group has said that it will invest millions in ads to (in their words) debunk the myth of clean coal. Their claim is that since we're still working on the technology to capture and store CO₂, there is no such thing as clean coal. 

First of all, we share the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, but clean coal technology includes any advanced technology that reduces the environmental footprint of electricity generation.

Also, why aren't these groups spending millions to ensure that buses don't have signs plastered on them that say "powered by clean natural gas?"  I'm not knocking natural gas... but the fact is, natural gas also emits CO₂.  Don't they want to have any consistency to their argument?

We need all of our available energy resources, but I guess their strict constructionist argument would also not allow them to describe wind and solar (intermittent power sources) as reliable.

The fact is, as I've said many times, all energy resources have their pluses and their minuses — coal included.  But the fact remains, the use of technology has led to significant progress in reducing criteria pollutants and other regulated emissions in the coal-based electricity sector (an achievement these groups are all too fast to dismiss).

Going forward, the industry (through a working partnership with the government and academia) has laid a strong foundation for bringing new even more advanced technologies to the marketplace to capture and safely store CO₂. 

Being a Monday morning quarterback may be the safest position to play, but it doesn't win any ballgames. 

When it comes to promoting energy independence, providing affordable, reliable power and investing in the technologies for a cleaner energy future, we're in the game.  We'll take our hits when they are deserved, and I suspect most people know a foul when they see one.

Clean coal and the new president Posted by Joe Lucas on 12/02/2008 11:20:35 AM

During the election, President-elect Obama talked a lot about investing in America's energy future. While that will involve investing in all of our available domestic energy resources, the President-elect was clear that developing and deploying clean coal technologies would reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources, create American jobs and hold down U.S. electricity costs.

In President-elect Obama has had to say about the future of clean coal:

“I am a big proponent of clean-coal technology and I want us to move rapidly in developing those sequestration technologies that's required.”

“What we need to do though is to put clean coal technology on the fast track and that means money. It means investment in research. That's something that we should have already been doing.”

“An Obama administration will provide incentives to accelerate private sector investment in commercial scale zero-carbon coal plants.”

We're looking forward to working with the new president, his administration and the new Congress as we seek ways to increase energy independence, reduce energy costs and invest in new technologies to meet new environmental challenges such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector.

In a recent interview with E&ETV, our CEO Steve Miller noted that the new administration would wrestle with a trio of issues, including fitting energy into an economic stimulus; moving the country to greater energy independence; and meeting our responsibilities to the environment.

We think a number of energy projects can help us overcome these challenges, including the revival of FutureGen, which is a public-private partnership to build the world's first near zero-emissions coal-fueled power plant. As Miller said: “President-elect Obama has mentioned five one-of-a-kind carbon capture and storage projects that his administration would be willing to fund; we hope that’s [FutureGen] one of them.”

ACCCE—a coalition of more than 40 coal-based electricity providers—stands ready to work with the president-elect, his administration and the 111th Congress to pioneer a new generation of advanced clean coal technologies that will capture and store carbon emissions and position America as a leader in innovation.

Join us in leading the way.

Thoughts on rebuilding America's economy Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/10/2008 04:34:00 PM

Earlier today, the New America Foundation held a panel discussion on rebuilding the economy, featuring speakers such as National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler and Ethan Zindler, head of North American research at New Energy Finance.

It was a provocative discussion. In particular, I was interested by something Zindler mentioned. His firm’s research came to the following conclusion:

“Energy independence and job creation took precedence over climate change on the campaign trail.”

From our perspective, energy security and job creation and addressing climate change concerns are not mutually exclusive.

Deploying advanced technologies will create jobs here at home, and at the same time ensure that America does not become more reliant on foreign energy resources and consumers are left paying higher energy costs. 

Energy independence & emissions reductions: NOT an either-or? Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/06/2008 07:17:12 PM

Some people seem to think that when it comes to climate change and energy independence, you can't work in favor of one without taking away from the other. That's simply not so.

The United States has more than 250 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves-the equivalent of 800 billion barrels of oil, which is three times more than Saudi Arabia's proven oil reserves. Our most abundant resource is also one of the most affordable-providing electricity at one-third the cost of other major fuels like natural gas and petroleum liquids.

Furthermore, coal has become increasingly clean. Like we've said before, coal is 70 percent cleaner today than it was 35 years ago on the basis of regulated emissions per unit of energy produced. That's due in large part to funding for research and clean coal projects.

New advances in clean coal technology happy every day. Just last week, a scientist in Calgary "washed carbon dioxide right out of the air using the equivalent of a greenhouse gas sponge." Other clean coal projects include extracting hydrogen from coal for possible use for fueling cars.

These projects, like the clean coal projects before them, may well lead us away from foreign energy sources while meeting our commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

And I guess that's my problem with clean coal naysayers-because we won't know if we don't try. And frankly, nothing productive comes from pessimism. So don't you think it's time we stopped saying "we can't" and started saying, "let's give it a shot"?

Coal: Part of America’s Blended Energy Solution Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/29/2008 11:28:01 AM

This month, Energy Central’s featured writer poses another inconvenient truth: we need coal as part of America’s energy solution.

Mark Gabriel, an executive management consultant for R.W. Beck, carefully lays out the need for America’s coal by looking at our projected energy demand alongside our means of meeting it, citing a recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation that shows that six of 10 U.S. regions will have insufficient electricity capacity by 2009. Says Gabriel: “No amount of alternative energy can meet the needs in the next 10 to 15 years, even if some huge hurdles such as energy storage are achieved.”

Need a visual? Take a look at this graph, using figures from the EIA’s 2007 Annual Energy Outlook:

Source: Energy Information Administration 2007 Annual Energy Outlook
Electricity demand is expected to increase in the U.S. by 1.7% per year through 2030 requiring an increase in generating capacity of roughly 30%.

On top of the cold, hard facts, Gabriel delivers a dose of harsh reality for politicians and coal opponents:

The current aversion to coal is another clear example that politicians and the public do not recognize the complex nature of our energy enterprise, its critical nature and fragility. More than 30 coal plants were canceled or delayed in the U.S. in 2007 at a time when electricity demand was rising making the total number of canceled or delayed plants over the past two years to 52.

[T]hese cancellations are rationalized through the mistaken belief that energy efficiency and renewables can supplant the baseload generation provided by coal and nuclear as well as an unrealistic reliance on natural gas, which again topped $10 a million cubic feet in early April, up from $3 just three years ago.

Gabriel’s article underscores the point we’ve been making all along: coal needs to be part of the energy conversation. It’s our most abundant, affordable resource and we couldn’t run the country without it. The sooner we stop making coal part of the problem and get on board with making it part of the solution, the sooner we’ll get cleaner technologies to market and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources.

Read more.

Linking security and energy Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/26/2008 11:02:14 PM

We said earlier that you can’t talk about national security without mentioning a topic inextricably linked to it: energy independence.

And sure enough... at tonight's debate, Barack Obama said that we "have to have an energy policy to deal with not just Russia" but other politically volatile and/or unfriendly nations. He mentioned that using American coal can help us become less dependent on foreign energy sources.

To be sure, John McCain agrees. As we're proud to mention, both candidates know that coal is abundant, affordable and increasingly clean.

National security: What’s coal got to do with it? Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/26/2008 02:12:55 PM

The first presidential debate is scheduled for tonight on the theme of national security. Of course, you can’t talk about national security without mentioning a topic inextricably linked to it: energy independence.

From running Wall Street to getting people to the emergency room, we couldn’t maintain our daily operations without energy. And as long as we import energy sources from volatile parts of the world, we’ll remain vulnerable to the fallout of foreign conflicts—including energy shortages and steep energy prices.

Fortunately, we can best address this issue by putting to work our most abundant resource: coal.

We have coal like the Middle East has oil, and currently over 50% of the electricity we use every day comes from American coal. For the past 30 years, we’ve used coal to meet America’s growing energy demands, hold down electricity costs for families and businesses, and improved air quality—making it all the more clear that coal is part of America’s solution for energy independence.

As you watch the debate tonight, remember that our economy and the livelihood of U.S. families depend on a reliable energy infrastructure. We need a president who supports homegrown energy initiatives, funneling money into American energy projects instead of sending it oversees to nations that don't have our best interest at heart.

Happy birthday, America! Posted by Joe Lucas on 07/04/2008 10:00:00 AM

Independence Day is a reminder to us all to work to make our country less energy dependent.

Energy, the environment and the economy are inextricably linked.

If our government places too much focus on the negatives of coal instead of the positives, it all but guarantees that we will see electricity prices spike in the same manner as natural gas and oil.

Additionally, limiting the use of our most abundant and affordable fuel source (coal) will only increase our dependence on foreign energy sources and increase the threat to our national security.

On America's birthday, don't we deserve an energy policy that keeps our economy running strong, protects our natural resources and ensures our nation's energy security? That would be the best present of all.

Debating Climate Change Posted by Joe Lucas on 01/25/2008 04:40:00 PM

                                    

Did you catch the Democratic presidential debate on CNN earlier this week? It was the most-watched presidential primary debate in cable news history (4.9 million viewers), which is good news for us since we bought advertising during the debate. As a matter of fact, we’re sponsoring coverage of another CNN debate next week.

While we are flattered that there are some people out there who are convinced we can dictate the questions of the debate, the reality is we are merely a sponsor of advertising for the program. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. Just as purchasing an ad in a newspaper doesn’t skew the editorial content of that paper, the same is true here.

Rather than try to keep the issue of climate policy from coming up, as some folks have suggested we are doing, we are putting our effort to ensure that the issue does come up on the campaign trail. In fact, here’s the question we’d love to see get asked in one of the debates: “How do you plan to help America meet its growing demand for affordable and reliable electricity while addressing the climate change issue?”

Isn’t that the question we’re all asking?

Sure, you can have a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; but if your plan means that America becomes more reliant on foreign energy resources and the cost of energy skyrockets, what kind of solution is that for the country?

We recognize that there is a shared commitment between electricity generators and those that they serve to reduce utility greenhouse gas emissions. The conversation now is about how best to do that in a way that meets the stated environmental goal, protects access to affordable, reliable energy and ensures energy security.

So let’s be as clear as possible — not only do we want the candidates to address questions regarding energy, environment and the economy, we can’t think of single more important question in the 2008 presidential debates.

                               

Don't say the 's' word Posted by Joe Lucas on 01/18/2008 04:22:00 PM

                                    

OK, somebody got off script. I’m not sure how this happened, but suddenly a lot of presidential candidates and the surrogates are saying that their climate policies are going to force the American people to S A C R I F I C E.

Not since President Carter put on a sweater and asked Americans to turn down their thermostats have we seen evidence of a failed energy policy.

The reason the “S” word is being batted about is because finally folks are starting to get the message that it is not possible to meet America’s growing energy needs without coal.

I’m sorry, but a lot of people are already sacrificing. They’re making the hard and difficult choices between heating and eating this winter.

I don’t buy it. In an energy rich country – a country that uses technology, not fear, to meet our challenges - we don’t have to make a choice between affordable, reliable and secure energy and a clean environment.

We can have both, but only if we have policies that allow us to avoid unnecessary sacrifice.

Our nation’s climate policy needs to be based upon spurring investments in technology … not asking Americans to sacrifice.

                               

Giuliani on Clean Coal Posted by Joe Lucas on 01/08/2008 03:33:00 PM

                                    

With the NFL playoffs taking place at the same time, I wonder how many people watched the presidential debate on Saturday.

If you missed it, here’s one point I wanted to bring to everyone’s attention: I tuned in just in time to hear Rudy Giuliani tell ABC moderator Charlie Gibson that American needs to increase investments in clean coal technology.

As you know, we don’t endorse any of the presidential candidates, but it was nice to hear the former New York mayor mention clean coal as a way to help the country become less energy dependent on volatile parts of the world. With other candidates also seeking for America to become more energy independent, it’s my hope that voters will be hearing more about clean coal along the campaign trail.

                               

Lesson from Iowa — voters want change Posted by Joe Lucas on 01/04/2008 03:17:00 PM

                                    

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.

                               

The Clinton Energy Plan, Part Deux Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/08/2007 04:36:00 PM

                                    

I’ll admit it, I’m a political junkie. I follow politics and I am fascinated in watching how public opinion shapes public policy. In watching recent polls, I’ve noticed that the public is becoming increasingly concerned about “energy security.” In some recent polls, “energy security” concerns are even higher than concerns about “the environment” (generically) or “global warming” specifically.

Given the public’s growing concern about energy security issues, I’m somewhat surprised that Senator Clinton’s energy plan did not do more to address those very real concerns.

Currently, over 50% of the electricity we use each day comes from American coal. If you’ve seen our ads, you know that we have more coal in the U.S. than Saudi Arabia has oil (actually, that’s an understatement – we have more coal than the Middle East has oil).

However, if regulatory programs that will reduce America’s reliance on coal become law – our country will become more reliant on imported energy resources to meet our electricity needs!
That’s a fact, regardless of claims that energy efficiency and Herculean growth in the use of renewables can replace traditional energy resources like coal.

Unfortunately, Senator Clinton’s plan is not specific enough to discuss how she would address these concerns. This obviously has energy security as well as national security implications.
We think she needs to say more!

But before it appears that we’re coming down too hard on Senator Clinton for what she did say … let’s be clear that she is the only presidential that has offered details on this very important issue (at least thus far in the campaign).

So, like I said yesterday, Senator Clinton’s plan is a good first draft … but we’ll need to do better if we’re going to meet America’s growing energy needs and continue to improve our record of protecting the environment.

To the other presidential candidates, give us a chance to talk more about your energy plans. Get out there and talk to America about your energy and environmental policies that will ensure that we keep the lights on (and keep energy costs affordable) and protect the environment. We’re waiting to hear from you.

                               

I Give Hillary’s Plan a B- Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/06/2007 04:19:00 PM

                                    

Did everyone have a chance to read Senator Clinton’s energy plan yet? I did. Here’s why I’m giving her a B- (we all know she’s an educational overachiever, so I’m guessing that she’ll be bothered that she didn’t get an A!).

The good

First, she gets the fact that “technology” is the solution to the challenge. In most cases, “she’s putting her money where her mouth is” instead of just telling people that “this will be an easy fix.”

Second… Hillary is talking about an important near-term way we can address concerns about climate change—storing the greenhouse gases or what’s called “sequestration.” She proposes funding ten large geological carbon storage sites—and she favors incenting farmers and ranchers to use proven methods to store carbon in soil and in plants.

Third, Hillary recognizes that new power plants using coal can’t be expected to put on carbon capture and storage technologies on that don’t yet exist. That’s why it is crucial that the federal government join with the private sector in funding the research, development, and deployment of these new technologies — and soon.

Hillary is getting a break on the grading curve. At this point, her competitors in the presidential campaign are getting an incomplete (come on guys, you have to submit your paper to get a grade). She is the only one, so far, who has provided real details. This is a big deal issue that will have a greater effect on the domestic economy (and therefore American families) than any other set of regulations considered for quite a long time. So it is reasonable (that’s an understatement) that folks running for president need to have some details on how they see the issue playing out.

The “could do better” part

There’s the old political “double speak” about how we will meet America’s growing energy needs. Senator Clinton places a lot a confidence in energy efficiency; and, like her, we also embrace using energy more wisely. However, regardless of how energy efficient you make a television … it doesn’t get you around the fact that we’re all plugging in four or five televisions, when several years back it was one or two televisions per house. I use televisions just as an example to say we are becoming more energy efficient … but at the same time, we’re using more energy. So, new coal-based power plants will be needed. These power plants will meet increased energy demand as well as replacing older, less efficient power plants.

Also, I’m concern that there is not enough in her plan to protect families from higher energy costs. I’m particularly concerned about her plan for 100% auction of the emissions credits for GHG regulations. Experience from the successful acid rain program show that assigning credits based upon emissions sources helps to lower the compliance costs for utilities and those savings ultimately passed along consumers.

With oil prices at a record level (and 10% of American households already paying 50% of their income to cover energy-related expenditures), having a “safety valve” in any plan to regulate CO2 is essential to protect families and the economy from substantially higher energy costs.

As first drafts go, this one shows promise. Let’s hope that Senator Clinton can add some provisions to look out for working families so I can give her that “A” I know she’s striving for.

That’s important because climate change is such an key issue — America can’t afford to support a B- platform. The American public deserves (and, in fact) will require that whatever policy gets enacted on this set of issues be an A+ plan.

(Note: Next, I want to share with you some ideas on how I see Senator Clinton’s plan in relation to energy/national security and her plans for outreach to the international community on this issue.)