The facts: Coal meets U.S. energy needs Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/13/2009 09:00:00 AM

It’s a fact: America’s electricity demand is growing. Almost everything we do around our homes requires electricity, be it surfing the Internet, watching television, toasting bread or washing clothes. If your family is like our friend Venita McCellon-Allen’s, you’re plugging more things in every day – laptops, Blackberries, cell phones and all of the other devices that are part of our modern lives.

And according to the EIA, this trend will continue: electricity demand is expected to increase by 26 percent from 2007 to 2030.

As that demand rises, we will continue to rely on coal to generate the majority of our energy. As the source of nearly half of America’s electricity, coal provides the affordable baseload power that keeps our country humming along 24/7. And don’t forget, we have more coal within our borders than any other country in the world – enough to last more than 200 years at current consumption rates.

That’s why we need to continue to support the development and deployment of the next generation of clean coal projects. These technologies will allow us to continue to use our most abundant fuel and protect our planet at the same time – and that’s a win-win situation.

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.

The Facts: The real origin of ‘clean coal’ Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/09/2009 09:00:00 AM

Critics claim that it doesn’t exist, that it’s just a catchphrase concocted by the coal industry.

In reality, clean coal technologies have been in use for decades – and we have lots of examples that demonstrate the progress we’ve made (see below). But the term itself? That’s not something we can take credit for. Its origin can be found in a 1987 U.S. Senate bill:

“The term ‘clean coal technology’ means any technology … deployed at a new or existing facility which will achieve significant reductions in air emissions of sulfur dioxide or oxides of nitrogen associated with the utilization of coal in the generation of electricity.”

Today, clean coal technology refers to any technology associated with reducing emissions from coal-based electricity generation.

That covers a lot of innovation, for starters:

•More than $6 billion in research is underway right now across the United States to expand the depths of clean coal research.

•This month, American Electric Power Co.’s Mountaineer facility in New Haven, W.Va., became the country’s first coal-generated power plant to bury carbon emissions.

•And progress is being made on FutureGen, a proposed $1.5 billion project that would be the world's first coal-fueled, near-zero emissions power plant.

Every good term develops a life of its own, and we are proud that “clean coal” has taken off in more ways than one.

Mountaineer will advance CCS research, create jobs Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/03/2009 09:00:00 AM

Last week, American Electric Power and energy research center Battelle announced a project to capture as much as 110,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually at the Mountaineer plant near New Haven, W.Va., The Columbus Dispatch reported.

In August, The Dispatch editorialized that the initial $120 million investment would not only help advance carbon capture and sequestration technology in the realm of scientific research; it would also boost the economy of the Midwest by creating jobs in the region.

If successful, the plant would be expanded to capture up to 1.65 million tons a year. American Electric Power is seeking $334 million in federal stimulus funding to cover about half the cost of the larger plant, The Dispatch reported.

The editorial went on to say that AEP’s request is “appropriate” – especially because coal is likely to play a part in the foreseeable future.

This just goes to show that in order to push clean coal technologies forward, we need to continue building coal plants with the capacity to test and develop methods to cut carbon dioxide emissions on the commercial scale.

It’s great to hear such strong local support for new coal plants. We wish Mountaineer the best of luck in securing federal funding and moving ahead with the project.

Why climate legislation must provide support for CCT Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/30/2009 12:00:00 PM

We talk a lot on this blog about our belief that technology will be the ultimate answer to climate change, but I heard a fact today at the Clean Carbon Policy Summit in Austin that illustrates just how important technology is to worldwide reduction of carbon dioxide emissions: In the past several years, China has built enough coal-based generation to equal that of the entire US fleet – and in the next 20 years they will do it again.

What good will U.S. regulations do if they don’t provide adequate funding and support for clean coal technologies? Not much, if that stat holds true.

Luckily, it seems that a lot of very smart and important people also believe in the power of technology. In fact, the consensus among conference attendees and presenters was that we will need a suite of technologies, deployed across all energy platforms in order to meet both our growing demand for affordable, reliable power and carbon dioxide emissions limits – whatever those may be.

And though carbon capture and storage – especially CCS deployed over the existing power plant fleet – was widely discussed as the best bang for the buck in terms of the long-term cost of carbon containment, we need strong leadership and increased funding to reach that point.

AEP’s Paul Loeffelman, speaking on a panel about national carbon policy and the challenges facing the power generation industry, took that message one step further by extolling the need for policy support and the creation of public/private partnerships in order to see technologies fast tracked to full-scale commercial deployment without dramatically increasing electricity rates.

He also discussed the legislation pending in Washington – very timely considering the current Senate hearings on the Kerry-Boxer bill. A divisive subject for sure, especially given the anti-climate bill stance of the Texas executive branch, but many attendees supported some type of Federal bill, especially one that keeps costs down and provides increased funding for advanced clean coal technologies.

That’s good news to us at ACCCE, as we are working to ensure that any legislation is committed to developing clean coal technologies, contains a reasonable timeframe for emissions reductions and keeps costs affordable.

See more from the Clean Carbon Summit at www.cleancarbonsummit.com.

Policymakers divided on Kerry-Boxer bill Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/28/2009 12:08:54 PM

The first day of Senate climate change hearings proved what we already knew – there is still a large divide amongst policymakers regarding the Kerry-Boxer bill.

Yesterday, four Obama administration officials testified before Chairwoman Boxer, and many confirmed what we believe to be true – that the hearings are only the starting point.

“This is the beginning of a process,” Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters after his testimony Tuesday. “How this legislation ultimately comes together as legislation on the floor will be different than what we have today.”

The Kerry-Boxer bill will see many changes before reaching a vote in committee, never mind the actual Senate floor, but that is no reason to be discouraged. Any bill must take into account the complex nature of this nation’s energy portfolio.

Keeping energy costs affordable, continuing the use of coal as an abundant and affordable domestic fuel resource, and supporting new technologies to curb emissions must be included in any legislation that is signed into law.

Energy is not a partisan debate, it is both a regional and a global one. We must support and respect the legislative process as we search for common ground in creating the right bill.

You can read about the first day of hearings here: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28806.html

Your electricity comes from a mix of energy sources Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/28/2009 09:12:25 AM

As the debate again ratchets up over climate change legislation, there’s an important question worth considering: Do you know where your energy comes from?

Some people do not realize our nation’s electricity is generated from a combination of energy sources to meet our high electricity demand.

Each state has its own energy portfolio that is determined by location and natural resources.

While coal accounts for nearly 50 percent of our electricity, many other energy sources are used in combination to provide the power you rely on.

Here are some of the fuels we use:

•Coal: Coal generates electricity at one-third to one-quarter the cost of other fuels. States such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky generate the majority of their electricity from coal, which helps keep household utility costs low.

According to an electric power industry journal, 23 of the 25 power plants in the U.S. that have the lowest operating costs (therefore providing power to their consumers at the lowest price) are powered by coal. And coal is here to stay: the U.S. has more coal than the Middle East has oil.

•Natural gas: Natural gas is another fossil fuel that is widely used to make electricity. However, it is almost triple the cost of coal.

•Petroleum liquids: Generating energy from petroleum liquids is expensive, which is why it’s not widely used for electricity.

•Hydroelectric: Energy from hydropower is a low-cost option. However, many states are not located in the right geographic areas for this kind of electricity generation.

•Renewables: Solar and wind produce electricity only when there’s sufficient direct sunlight or sustained wind speed.

Find out where electricity in your state comes from on our interactive map.

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.

What world leaders are saying about coal Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/27/2009 09:00:00 AM

Last week, U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu said “the United States is not going to turn its back on coal,” acknowledging the fuel’s major role in the country’s energy portfolio.

But coal is just as important abroad – in fact, it accounts for 41 percent of the world’s electricity. With less than two months to the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, world leaders are talking about how to build a clean energy future around our most stable, abundant and affordable fuel source.

Chu’s full quotation and sound bite, MYNC (10/16): “The United States is not going to turn its back on coal. Fifty percent of our electricity is generated by coal. The industry will not develop that technology, but we have to partner with the industry to develop it.”

Listen to the quote:

President Barack Obama, CNN (10/24): On fossil fuels, including coal: We must figure “out how to use those as cleanly and efficiently as possible.”

Ed Miliband, UK energy and climate change secretary, news release (9/25): “Without CCS there is no solution to climate change. As well as getting things in place in the UK and Europe we need that consensus at the global talks in Copenhagen. The meeting in London will be a pivotal part of moving the discussion on CCS forwards.”

Dipuo Peters, South Africa energy minister, Bloomberg (10/13): “It is very critical that the international community develops financial capacity to assist developing countries [in deploying commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects],” Peters said. “South Africa is faced by more pressing challenges such as energy poverty.”

Stephen Harper, Canada prime minister, UPI (10/16): Carbon capture and storage "has the potential to help us balance our need for energy with our duty to protect the environment."

Cool facts for kids about coal Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/26/2009 09:00:00 AM

As National Energy Awareness Month draws to a close, we wanted to end our series on the event on a fun note.

If you haven’t explored the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Web site yet, it has a lot of great resources on energy, fossil fuels and electricity. One of our favorite sections is actually their Energy Kids’ page – it has a lot of surprising, off-the-wall facts that might be of interest to adults, too.

Here’s a few coal factoids from the site we thought you might like:

•The first record of coal in the U.S. was in 1673, found by French-Canadian explorer Louis Joliet along the Illinois River in northern Illinois.

•“Wheeling” is a term used to describe when electricity is moved through a local grid for use in another area.

•“Pig” is a scraping tool that is sent through a pipeline to clean it out.

•In 2008, each person in the U.S. used an average of 900,000 Btu per day. That’s the equivalent to the energy of 900,000 matches – or half a tank of gasoline.

•In 1816, Baltimore became the first city to light streets with gas made from coal.

•The first coal-generated power plant was developed by Thomas Edison in 1882 to make electricity for New York City’s household lights.

•About 58 percent of coal was produced west of the Mississippi River in 2008.

Now that you know a little more about coal, sign into Facebook and test your knowledge on affordable energy in our America’s Power^SM quiz. Let us know how you do!

Sharp decline on global warming believers might suggest partisanship, cost concerns Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/23/2009 02:41:04 PM

Americans are becoming increasingly doubtful about whether global warming evidence exists, according to a Pew Research Center poll released Thursday. Based on the findings, 57 percent believe there is solid evidence the world is getting warmer – a sharp drop from 71 percent in April 2008.

The survey, titled "Fewer Americans See Solid Evidence of Global Warming,” says the decline crosses all party lines, but it is particularly pronounced among independents. Among them, 53 percent now believe global warming exists, compared with 75 percent in April 2008.

Among Republicans, 35 percent see solid evidence of global warming – down 14 percent from 2008. Seventy-five percent of Democrats said they see that level of evidence for global warming – just down 8 percent from the previous year.

Does this poll suggest that there is growing partisan split on global warming? Are Republicans saying no where Democrats are saying yes? Are independents split? Or are more people just concerned about the cost to deploy the technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Clearly, the poll shows an increased polarization of public attitudes based on party ID. But there are other dynamics in play.

Andrew Kohut, the director of the research center, told the Associated Press that concerns about the economy are also driving opinions on this issue: "The priority that people give to pollution and environmental concerns and a whole host of other issues is down because of the economy and because of the focus on other things.”

Pew surveyed 1,500 adults between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4.

We agree that there are both “certainties” and “uncertainties” when it comes to the science about climate change. But we’ve also said that any remaining uncertainties are not a reason to avoid action. With advances in technology, we can reduce emissions and maintain access to affordable, reliable energy from coal.

That’s why we support a bill that would reduce emissions by bringing new technologies to the marketplace; drive down the cost of deploying these technologies to ensure access to affordable, reliable electricity; promote the use of American coal and other domestic fuels; and protect existing jobs and create new ones.

We’re not giving up on climate change legislation Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/22/2009 12:29:26 PM

We were in for a surprise this morning when we read the DeSmogBlog’s post, “Who’s Killing U.S. Clean Energy Policy?” on Daily Kos. It accuses ACCCE of intervening with the passage of climate change legislation – but isn’t it a bit early to start throwing in the towel? The Senate has only begun to consider proposals, and speakers this week at a climate change conference in Washington said that Senate committees could act on the legislation before the end of the year.

“If Obama’s clean energy bill fails, it will not be because progressive groups have not done a good job at defending the bill,” DeSmogBlog writes. “It will be the multi-billion dollar fossil fuel industry and their ideological front groups that will be to blame.” Ouch. For the past few months, we have been working constructively with congressional members to promote changes to the climate legislation that will help strengthen its impact, not weaken it.

That includes stronger measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, preserve access to affordable and reliable energy, protect and create clean jobs and promote greater energy independence through the use of coal and other domestic energy resources. And remember – our organization supports renewable energy, federal carbon management legislation and recognizes that cap and trade could be part of the climate change solution.

Should legislation the bill fail to pass, it will most likely be because of a lack of willingness to compromise.

The close vote in the House showed that there were still serious concerns about the economic effects of the climate legislation in many parts of the country. Now that a bill has reached the Senate – where states will have equal representation – greater compromise will be more important than ever.

Everyone seems to like CCS Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/21/2009 01:00:00 PM

Today at a climate conference in Washington, lawmakers and key interests in energy and environmental issues said that any viable climate change bill must support technologies that curb carbon dioxide emissions.

At a morning session titled “The Farm Factor and the Role for Coal,” ACCCE Senior Vice President Paul Bailey said that advanced clean coal technologies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) – although in relative infancy – are a real solution to improving the environment while providing the energy stability that Americans want.

Joining Bailey on the panel was Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; Dan Lashof, director of the climate center for the National Resources Defense Council; and Rick Krause, senior director of congressional relations at the American Farm Bureau. It was moderated by Rebecca Adams, a senior writer at CQ Weekly.

Several disagreements flared over the cost and effectiveness and the consumer benefits of proposed climate legislation over the 75-minute discussion. But consensus emerged on the topic of CCS.

“It looks like everyone is for carbon capture and storage,” Bailey said afterward.

Lashof, representing environmental interests, said in the panel that “you can make it work,” referring to CCS. He said that the “oil industry has spent 100 years” using CO₂ to extract fossil fuels from out of the ground. “They have learned a lot,” he said.

Bailey said he remembered when proposed scrubbers to eliminate SO₂ emissions were criticized.

“They said it wouldn’t work, it was too expensive,” he said. “They said it was difficult if not impossible to do.”

But he argued that the technology turned out to be less complicated to produce – and the results were dramatic. He noted afterward that the House and Senate versions of the climate change legislation includes between $150 billion and $200 billion for CCS initiatives.

We think that’s a step in the right direction. Let us know what you think.

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.

Wall Street Journal declares CCS a game-changing technology Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/20/2009 01:00:00 PM

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is considered to be one of the “five technologies that could change everything,” The Wall Street Journal said in a cover story on Monday.

In other words, CCS could be part of an innovation wave that could help drastically reduce greenhouse gases and “radically change the world energy picture.”

It’s easy to understand why CCS would be considered a breakthrough technology. If commercially deployed, it could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent while limiting cost increases. The Journal acknowledges that the technology exists and has been demonstrated in small-scale pilots, but has yet to make the leap on a commercial level.

Of the other technologies the Journal lauded – such as space-based solar power and utility storage – two of them are involved with coal.

The advanced car batteries that would be used to boost the mileage of hybrid-electric cars would need to run on a grid powered by coal.

And next-generation biofuels, like genetically altered algae, can be used to eat carbon dioxide emissions captured from coal-generated power plants.

Scientists are continuing to work on these technologies. If perfected, it could radically change the way we use electricity – and most certainly pave the way toward a clean energy future.

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.

U.S.’s energy awareness tips worth something to taxpayers Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/19/2009 09:00:00 AM

The federal government is the largest single domestic user of energy, spending more than $9 billion annually to power its vehicle fleet, operations and 500,000 facilities, and it has boosted efforts in recent years to conserve energy use. In launching National Energy Awareness Month, the government is promoting those initiatives for everyone’s benefit.

The Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program’s You Have the Power campaign helps government agencies reach their energy saving goals by raising awareness about energy efficiency in their facilities. Over the past 10 years, the campaign has helped federal facilities save millions of dollars.

According to the DOE, we can all benefit from the wise use of energy at federal facilities. Not only does the effort help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment, it contributes to our national security and saves taxpayer dollars.

For example, instead of constructing a new facility for the Social Security Administration, the agency opted to reuse an existing structure, saving $25 million. Also, the Department of Homeland Security’s Fuel Working Group reorganized its fuel procurement processes, helping the Coast Guard save $9 million in 2005.

Perhaps we should take a cue from the government and be more conscious of our own use of electricity. Take a moment to look through some of the federal government’s energy-saving projects and let us know what you think.

Expert: Reports of additional natural gas reserves only speculative Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/15/2009 09:43:42 AM

According to an Associated Press story, predictions that American shale formations could yield 100 years of additional gas supplies may be inaccurate.

Arthur Berman, a geological consultant, told an audience at the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas Conference he believes the world’s gas reserves are actually diminishing – citing evidence that the yield of the Barnett Shale formation is in decline as an example.

America has enough coal reserves located within our borders to provide more than 200 years of low-cost, reliable and increasingly clean electricity. That’s why American coal truly is a fuel for our future.

Winter’s here, and coal is ready to provide warmth Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/14/2009 09:00:00 AM

We are not even halfway through October and already winter has made its presence felt in some parts of the country. Over the weekend, snow and freezing temperatures crept over the Mountain West and the Midwest, postponing a baseball playoff game in Denver and blanketing roads at Yellowstone National Park. On Sunday, the high temperature in Des Moines, Iowa, was 41 degrees -- breaking the 1909 record of 46 degrees.

It’s getting downright cold out there, but the dependability of coal will help millions of Americans stay warm no matter how long that winter feeling lasts.

According to our friend Venita McCellon-Allen, a utilities executive, “We have to be able to meet our customer’s needs in the middle of the night or on the hottest summer day. Coal will help us do that regardless of what Mother Nature is doing.”

In fact, the Energy Information Administration has estimated that winter heating expenses for electricity will be $20 less over the season, according to its annual winter assessment.

To find out just how much you depend on coal-generated electricity at home, check out the Power House – an interactive feature on AmericasPower.org that will allow you to see how much energy it takes to power a modern home.

And as I wrote in a recent guest column for the Des Moines Register, we’re going to need every form of electricity generation that we can think of to meet our growing demand – and that includes coal.

As part of energy solution, balance is key (Des Moines Register) Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/13/2009 01:02:05 PM

Today, the Des Moines Register published my guest column about the nation’s energy portfolio. To sum up my argument: We’re going to need every form of electricity generation that we can think of to meet our growing demand – and that includes coal.

People need to realize that renewables like wind and solar remain uncompetitive as a significant displacement of coal and other fossil fuels (in terms of price) and are unreliable (in terms of baseload capability).

Take a moment to read the article and let me know what you think.

Coal, the power behind your workplace Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/13/2009 09:00:00 AM

Coal has a major impact on every aspect of the American workforce. It provides Americans with jobs, generates the reliable electricity we need to get our work done and helps business costs remain affordable – allowing companies to keep employees at work.

Olivia Albright, owner of AOA Products in Toledo, Ohio, depends on low-cost energy to operate her packaging machines – and leave her with enough money to meet payroll.

Almost half of our nation’s energy comes from coal. It generates 85 percent of the electricity in Ohio, providing Olivia’s company – and millions of others in the Buckeye state – with a steady source of power.

“Coal keeps my small business running,” Olivia says.

Indeed, coal helps keep the U.S. economy strong.

According to a 2006 Pennsylvania State University study, if coal were removed from our energy portfolio, the U.S. could lose up to 6.8 million jobs and $1 trillion of gross economic output by 2015.

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.

What powers your weekend? Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/09/2009 09:00:00 AM

As you prepare to leave the office today to enjoy Columbus Day weekend, take a moment to think about the fuel source that powers your fun: electricity generated from reliable, affordable and abundant coal.

Coal makes it possible for us to make plans on our cell phones, relax in front of the television, use the treadmill at the gym or watch the football game under the stadium lights.

And because coal is a low-cost source of energy – one-third the cost of most other fuels – it lightens the load on the family budget, saving us more money for fun activities on our days off.

We tend to forget about the role electricity plays in our lives and our need for cheap and readily available power. Almost half of America’s electricity comes from coal, and chances are, your state relies heavily on it for energy.

As our friend Fred Shelton, an energy efficiency consultant near St. Louis, says, “Coal generates the power we need at a price we can afford.”

With that in mind, take a moment to tell us how coal will give your plans a lift this holiday weekend. Let us know in the comment box below.

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.

New clean coal plant planned for Michigan Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/07/2009 01:00:00 PM

Yesterday, the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative received a $2.7 million federal grant for their carbon capture and storage project at a coal-generated plant near Rogers City, Mich.

Although Wolverine Power’s 600-megawatt power plant has not yet been built, its CCS demonstration site is planned to capture 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year. The co-op’s dedication to developing the technology is illustrative of their commitment to building environmentally-conscious plants with the capability to reduce CO2 emissions.

“This gives a lot of credibility to what Wolverine has been saying,” said Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.). “They want to be good stewards of our environment, use the latest technology.”

This is another great example of how building new coal-based plants can benefit the environment while helping us meet growing energy demand. I often wonder why some groups oppose new plants, especially when they’re built for efficiency and accommodations for new clean coal technologies—making them significantly cleaner than their aging counterparts.

These groups are actually standing in the way of progress, obstructing the advancement of the very technologies that will be necessary to meet the environmental standards that they support.

As you can see, Wolverine Power and others in the electric power industry understand that CO2 will become regulated in this country and are planning for the future by making technology investments today. This will allow coal—our most abundant, affordable fuel—to remain a part of America’s energy future.

George Westinghouse: inspiring timeless innovation Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/07/2009 09:00:00 AM

Historically, the electricity sector has seen some of the best and brightest innovators and inventors—so it’s no wonder why today’s energy researchers remain inspired to achieve new advances in electricity. This, for our time, means making it cleaner and more efficient.

But engineers and scientists couldn’t have developed clean coal technology projects like without the contributions of George Westinghouse, Jr., one of the early pioneers of modern electricity.

Today marks the 163rd anniversary of Westinghouse’s birthday. Over the course of his life, he patented more than 100 inventions and founded almost 60 companies, including his own power company, Westinghouse Electric.

Most importantly, he introduced and developed alternating currents for power and light, which ultimately prevailed over Thomas Edison’s direct current system.

Although many years have passed, Westinghouse’s alternating current system is still used to deliver electricity to businesses and homes today.

What will the next wave of innovation bring? I think we’ve got a pretty good idea, as clean coal technologies and alternative energy options make their way to the marketplace. If history is any indication, they’ll change lives and stand the test of time.

Worldwide support for CCS starts with you Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/06/2009 09:00:00 AM

After President Obama’s recent climate change address to the United Nations, Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai told Democracy Now! that if the U.S. moves forward on reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the rest of the world will follow.

According to the Kenyan environmentalist, global leaders must come up with an agreement to make sure that “we aren’t emitting more carbon dioxide than we can take” – and the U.S. must use its status as a world leader to set a precedent.

The coal-generated electricity sector shares Maathai’s sentiments, which is why its scientists and engineers have been researching and deploying cutting-edge clean coal technologies for decades – including carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects designed to eliminate CO2 emissions.

And by exporting clean coal technologies and CCS to developing nations like China and India – as well as deploying the technology on a commercial scale within our borders – we can help ensure a clean energy future for our planet.

Many Americans are already working on making this a reality.

Venita McCellon-Allen, a working mother who relies on coal for electricity, has been encouraging Arkansans to support AEP’s John W. Turk power plant by educating them about the economic and environmental benefits of clean coal.

We hope you follow Venita – as well as a host of other Americans – and ask your friends and family to support clean coal technology – because if Maathai is right, our efforts will go a long way in leading the world into a clean energy future.

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.

In case you missed it: EPA on CO2 Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/01/2009 01:00:00 PM

Who saw this one in the paper? EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced yesterday a proposal to further regulate carbon emissions. According to Jackson, the rule would require power plants, factories and refineries that emit at least 25,000 tons of greenhouse gases a year to install the best available technology and improve energy efficiency whenever a facility is significantly changed or built.

In an Associated Press story today, Jeff Holmstead, a former EPA air pollution official, said the agency was trying to “fit a square peg into a round hole,” adding that, “Normally, it takes an act of Congress to change the words of a statute enacted by Congress, and many of us are very curious to see EPA's legal justification for today's proposal.”

But isn’t another group in Washington already deliberating how to regulate CO2 emissions? Oh right, Congress has been debating legislation relating climate and energy since the Spring of this year. So why would the EPA try to overstep their jurisdiction and rule on something that Congress already has been debating for the last several months?

While we continue to work with elected officials on drafting an emissions reduction bill that won’t harm consumers and small businesses, you can be sure ACCCE will be one of the many organizations waiting to see how EPA justifies their latest actions.

U.S. DOE: Meeting energy and environmental challenges for 32 years Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/01/2009 09:03:50 AM

For the past 32 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been responsible for strengthening our nation’s energy security through clean, reliable and affordable energy; supporting scientific discovery and U.S. competitiveness; and upholding stringent standards that protect our environment.

The DOE has had a hand in many of our energy-related accomplishments over the years, including the 77 percent reduction of emissions currently regulated under existing Clean Air Act programs per unit of energy produced from today’s coal-based generating fleet.

DOE continues to advance projects in numerous areas, from nanotechnology to carbon sequestration. In fact, in the past few months, they’ve provided more than $105,000,000 in funding to three programs for various training and research initiatives around the safe and permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO2)—seen as a critical technology in reaching global emissions reduction goals.

As we’ve seen before, DOE’s involvement with science and technology has paid large dividends. Not only has its funding helped get emissions-reducing technologies to the marketplace, but they’ve also helped lower the initial cost of deployment—which helped protect consumers from higher energy costs—and created incentives for businesses.

The DOE’s 32 years of experience is encouraging as we look to solve some of the most challenging energy and environmental issues of our time.

Learn more about the DOE and the myriad ways they’ve helped advance science and technology in the energy sector. You can also follow the DOE’s Fossil Energy Department on Twitter.

An addendum to Thomas Friedman's 'New Sputnik' Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/28/2009 05:13:58 PM

Thomas Friedman’s Sept. 26 editorial in the New York Times is essentially correct: There are huge market opportunities associated with bringing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to the marketplace. I also agree with him that the U.S. should and still can be at the forefront in seizing those opportunities.

How do we accomplish this goal?

First, it requires a commitment of private industry and government to bring these technologies to the market. Until recently, the federal government’s investment has been lacking. Earlier this year the economic stimulus package allocated funds and took a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. That is why our organization strongly supported provisions in the Waxman-Markey bill that included significant funding for CCS. And now that the Senate is looking at developing its own bill, including significant funding for CCS is critical.

Also, to advance technology, you’ve got to build projects. Here in the U.S., we have special interest groups that oppose coal at every turn. In many cases, these groups’ efforts to halt new advanced coal plants hinder progress on developing the technologies that meet the environmental standards they so strongly support. There lots of characters in the Chinese alphabet and no combination of them creates a word like NIMBY (Not In My Backyard). If we’re serious about leading the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, then the U.S. needs to be leading the way in building projects that increase efficiency and test new technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2), as opposed to hoping that clogging up the system will result in coal use going away. That is not an effective climate strategy.

We can bring new technologies to the marketplace, drive down the cost of using those technologies to capture and store CO2, and ensure that American consumers have the benefit of reduced emissions, affordable, reliable energy, and sustained economic growth. That is the type of climate policy we support, and one that I feel certain most Americans believe can happen.

Breaking news from Arkansas Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/25/2009 04:38:35 PM

Today, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission denied a motion by the Sierra Club and the Audubon Society to halt work on American Electric Power’s John W. Turk power plant, located 15 miles northeast of Texarkana.

The groups argued that a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring a Kentucky-based utility to provide an analysis of the environmental impact of its proposed plant meant that American Electric Power had to stop building its plant until it had completed a similar analysis.

The Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission disagreed.

Yet again, it seems that these kinds of lawsuits are just another ploy by the Sierra Club and others to do what they have described as “clogging up the system,” in efforts to prevent the construction of new, advanced coal-based power plants used to meet America’s growing demand for electricity.

If the Turk plant sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it profiled in television spots and webisodes featuring our friend, Venita McCellon-Allen. In fact, you can see Venita on site at the Turk plant in this video.

Your ideas: How do we protect poor countries from climate and energy issues? Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/25/2009 01:00:00 PM

After the first day of the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, one thing is becoming very clear: we need much more discussion about global funding for poor countries that would be hit the hardest by increased energy prices.

According to The Canadian Press, “[T]he G20 has yet to make good on earlier promises that leaders will create a substantial climate-change fund for poor countries. International organizations have said that the developing world needs at least $150 billion a year to get to a point where they could start cutting emissions, and the G20 is nowhere near committing that amount.”

But the question is, with G20 leaders meeting for the third time in less than a year, mainly to resolve the global financial crisis, what is the best way to fund this massive program while still keeping global economies on the upswing? Since global leaders seem to be at an impasse on this issue, we thought maybe some of our readers could weigh in on the subject.

So, the question is: how would you go about reducing global CO2 emissions while keeping an eye on energy prices here in the U.S., while at the same time, setting up proper funding for poorer countries around the world?

We’re curious to hear your responses.

In case you missed it Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/25/2009 09:00:00 AM

When you hear that renewable energy will triple in the next few years, how many people know just how much that really means as far as making a difference in our total electricity production?

Apparently Arch Coal CEO Steve Leer does. When asked in an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box about increasing the use of renewable energy Leer said “coal is the fastest growing fuel we've had for fossil fuels in the United States at 50 percent, it's enormous. And the scalability of renewables today are [sic] about two percent. So, they're going to double, triple, quintuple. If they quintuple, we have 10 percent of our electricity being derived from renewables…people forget to do the math.”

Leer went on to say that to say that we’ll need a balanced energy approach, noting that while we can “whittle away” at our use of fossil fuels, we will “still be heavily reliant on coal, natural gas and oil” for the next decade.

When asked about the use of CCS technology, Leer said that “stabilizing CO2 in the atmosphere, the only way to achieve it on a global scale is to develop carbon capture sequestration. Those technologies have to be developed. Otherwise we're just talking politics.”

Note: Arch Coal is a member of ACCCE.

What they’re saying at the International Coal Conference in Pittsburgh Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/23/2009 09:00:00 AM

Pittsburgh is hosting the 26th Annual International Coal Conference, an event that focuses on environmental issues and technologies surrounding the continued use of coal, along with the development of future coal-based plants to achieve near zero emissions. Here’s a sampling of what scientists, academics and energy industry leaders have been saying at the conference:

Jared L. Cohon, Carnegie Mellon University president, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (9/22): “Pittsburgh should make research and development of clean coal technologies the highest priority because despite its emissions problems the world will continue to rely on it while alternative energy sources are developed.”

M. Granger Morgan, head of the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (9-22): “To stop climate change, by mid-century the world must reduce its emissions roughly 80 percent. Doing that's going to take everything we've got: more efficient use of energy, coal plants that capture their carbon dioxide and safely put it a mile underground, more wind and nuclear plants, and plug-electric hybrid vehicles that get their power from the U.S., not the Middle East.”

M. Granger Morgan, head of the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (9-22): "There are no ‘silver bullets’ — no single technology or strategy that will solve the problem of climate change. Meeting that challenge will take everything we've got — and in the process create many new jobs.”

John Hanger, DEP secretary and former president and chief executive officer of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (9-22): "To continue this progress, we must use both law and markets. Laws like building codes and vehicle mileage standards must boost energy efficiency as well as low-carbon fuels and electricity; competitive markets must operate to produce efficiently cleaner appliances, electricity, vehicles; and public-private partnerships must develop new and better technologies like carbon capture and storage for coal plants."

Albert Whitehouse, director of the Department of Interior's International Technical Assistance Program, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (9/22): "No one can make the bridge from the present to the future without coal."

President Obama speaks to UN about climate change Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/22/2009 02:55:56 PM

Earlier today, President Obama addressed the United Nations (UN) on the topic of climate change.

We’ve long applauded President Obama for his attention to this complex issue and his realistic solutions, which include support for advanced clean coal technologies like carbon capture and storage (CSS). In fact, the president was voicing his support for these technologies long before he was officially in office:

On the campaign trail, Mr. Obama also acknowledged that “a huge percentage of our electricity is generated by coal,” and that we need “to put clean coal technology on the fast track and that means money. It means investment in research. That’s something we should have already been doing.”

As president, Mr. Obama has made good on his commitment to advanced clean coal technologies through allocation of funding in the federal stimulus bill, as well as Department of Energy (DOE) grants for various clean coal projects across the country.

He has also demonstrated his commitment on the international level, noting in a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that “figuring out how to sequester and capture carbon that’s emitted from coal as just one element of a broader range of energy initiatives, that’s an example of something that can create jobs; also deal with a potential environmental crisis—that’s the kind of economic growth that I think we’re going to be looking for.”

It’s clear that our president is someone who recognizes that coal is large part of the global energy mix and that we cannot reach global emissions reduction goals without CCS.

As we said in our official statement, we applaud President Obama for addressing such a complex issue and we look forward to working with his administration and Congress to find solutions that benefit everyone involved.

The big week for Pittsburgh continues Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/22/2009 09:00:00 AM

As the G20 Summit and the International Pittsburgh Coal Conference continue to make headlines in Western Pennsylvania this week, more good news recently came out of the region, as a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gases is set to debut—with the goal of attracting attention from world leaders in town to discuss global markets and economies.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported on Saturday that, “At Consol Energy Inc.'s Research and Development center in South Park on Tuesday, a process for capturing carbon dioxide from coal-burning power plants is expected to receive $1 million from the state Department of Environmental Protection for further testing.”

The process includes a pressurized fluid bed combustion boiler from PFBC Environmental Energy Technology Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company, with a carbon capture system created by Sweden-based Sargas Inc.

As quoted in the Tribune-Review, Henrik Fleischer, CEO of Sargas, said "The world seems to have a consensus on reducing global warming. There's just no way to achieve that goal without carbon capture and sequestration from existing power plants, no matter how many windmills and solar panels you build."

We’re keeping an eye on all the developments that are happening in Pittsburgh this week, so check back here for any new announcements from the Steel City.

A salute to the Steel City Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/21/2009 01:15:04 PM

Always known as an exciting sports town, Pittsburgh is making big headlines this week for other reasons. In the same week, the city is hosting the 26th Annual International Coal Conference as well as the G20 Summit. Much like the coal-based electricity sector, Pittsburgh has transformed its city into a center for new ideas and high-tech developments while keeping its identity as a hard-working, no-nonsense town.

As President Obama said:

[Pittsburgh] represents the transition of the U.S. economy from [an] industrial state to a mix of strong industry -- steel -- but also now biotech and clean energy. It has transformed itself, after some very tough times, into a city that's competing in the world economy.

So to have the G-20 summit, which is really becoming the forum in which an interconnected 21st-century economy is discussed and the architecture is shaped, having that conversation take place in Pittsburgh I think is very appropriate because it shows the direction that our economy is moving.

Throughout the world, coal is a major energy source, providing 41 percent of the world's electricity. The 26th Annual International Pittsburgh Coal Conference will focus on environmental emissions issues and technologies surrounding the continued use of coal, along with the development of future coal-based plants to achieve near-zero emissions.

As the world turns its attention to “The City of Champions,” it may be time to get rid of your preconceived notions about what the city once was, and while you’re at it, rethink just how far the coal-based electricity has come over the past few decades. The facts surely will surprise you.

We can lead the world in clean coal technologies Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/21/2009 09:00:00 AM

When U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu visited China this summer, he had one goal in mind: to open China’s market to American clean technology products while pushing China to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chu also laid out plans for how the U.S. would export and transfer the technology to China.

Clearly, Chu recognizes that the U.S. is a leader in technologies like carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).

It’s easy to understand why – there are more than 200 clean coal programs and projects across the U.S. and nearly $6 billion in research underway in 41 states. Some American engineers, scientists and geologists have been working on clean coal technology for more than a decade.

With the new administration’s support of CCT, U.S. energy companies are making headway – just last week, the Southern Company (an ACCCE member) announced that China would be the first to implement Transport Integrated Gasification, the company’s technology for producing low-emission coal-based electricity.

Other U.S. energy companies are choosing to team up with their Chinese counterparts. Houston-based Future Fuels and Beijing-based Thermal Power Research Institute will focus on constructing coal-based electricity plants in both the U.S. and China.

As we’ve been saying, if we don’t develop the technology here, it won’t make its way to China, India and other places in the developing world that will continue to use massive amounts of coal no matter what we do in the U.S.

They need CCT just as much we do – but we have the technology know-how. It’s time for the U.S. to step up to the plate and lead the way in mitigating climate change.

Clean Coal Technology: it’s all around us Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/18/2009 12:59:00 PM

For a while this week, it seemed as though all of Washington was absorbed with clean coal technology. On Monday and Tuesday, not one, but two, conferences focused on carbon capture and sequestration (CCS).

We had to choose which one to attend, and we went with the one organized by the American Conference Institute. (Trade publisher Platts did the second one.)

I have to tell you we came away from ACI’s CCS summit encouraged about where the technology is heading.

Hearing about different CCS projects reminded us of the clean coal technology map wekeep on the AmericasPower.org site to help us track new clean coal projects around the country.

According to our data, there is over $6 billion in clean coal research underway right now in 41 states – even ones not normally associated with coal production.

The projects run the gamut from integrated gasification combined cycle research to advanced fossil energy research. (You can learn a lot about just how complex it is and how many different organizations are working on it just by clicking from one dot to another.)

Check out the map to find a clean coal research project near you – and if we missed any, be sure to let us know in the comment box below.

CCS shines at the Rutgers Energy Institute Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/17/2009 09:00:00 AM

We didn’t know much about Rutgers University’s energy research until we met Ben, a Rutgers graduate student, at the Research Experience in Carbon Sequestration in New Mexico.

Ben, who is studying atmospheric science, believes that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is “an important ingredient in solving the problem of global warming.” Hearing how passionate he felt about clean coal technology got us interested in learning more about Rutgers’ climate and energy programs.

We were excited to discover the Rutgers Energy Institute (REI), a center that integrates the university’s expertise in science and engineering and puts it toward alternative energy research – including CCS and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Just this month, REI received almost $8 million in federal grants from the National Science Foundation.

According to the REI Web site, the CCS research focuses on:

•Developing technology to capture CO2 from coal-generated power plants and other point sources such as oil refineries and cement factories

•Exploring the potential for large-scale and long-term storage of CO2 in both onshore and offshore geologic formations

It’s no wonder Ben is so motivated about pushing CCS forward – he’s got the right resources behind him to help pave the way for a clean coal technology future.

Join the Rutgers University fan page on Facebook or follow Rutgers’ environmental school on Twitter.

Five U.S. senators urge support for CCS Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/16/2009 02:30:55 PM

Last Friday, five senators released provisions to climate legislation working its way through the Senate, encouraging increased allowances for coal-generated power plants as they sequester more emissions. Allowances are an important component of climate legislation as they allow utilities to protect their customers from higher electricity costs.

The senators also voiced support for a $10 billion, 10-year program to deploy carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology at the commercial scale across the U.S., noting that “it is in the public interest to achieve widespread, commercial-scale deployment of carbon capture and storage, both in America and throughout Asia before January 1, 2030.”

While we can’t comment on the particulars of the provisions (we’re still reading them), we can say that these recommendations will help as the Senate writes climate legislation. Because as we’ve said before, an effective climate policy needs to ensure:

1. Adequate protections to shield rate-payers from higher energy costs; and

2. Support for the commercial deployment of advanced clean coal technologies like CCS—which experts agree is essential to meeting global emissions reduction goals.

All of our efforts here at ACCCE are part of our mission to make certain that whatever bill the Senate passes protects our vulnerable economy and rate-payers, promotes job creation and creates solutions for reducing emissions. It’s encouraging to see policymakers set in motion the actions to get us there.

Affordable energy keeps school dollars where they belong – in the classroom Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/16/2009 01:00:00 PM

As we learned from energy efficiency consultant Fred Shelton, saving money on electricity means more money for other necessities.

This is as important for American schools as it is for American families. Schools that save on energy costs have more money left over for classroom needs and extracurricular programs.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the annual energy bill to operate America’s primary and secondary schools totals nearly $8 billion – more than is spent on textbooks and computers combined!

That’s why using affordable energy and creating measures to improve energy efficiency are so necessary. EPA said one Oregon school system saved $1.3 million in utility costs – the equivalent of 24 full-time teacher’s salaries – by being more energy-efficient.

Imagine how much could be saved if schools generated their electricity from low-cost energy sources like coal. While there is no single solution to our energy challenges, coal is a key ingredient keeping energy costs affordable – something to keep in mind as we open our wallets this back-to-school season.

Take a look at Fred’s webisodes to see how affordable energy protects his family budget, and head over to AmericasPower.org to learn how much of your state’s electricity comes from coal.

What they’re saying: clean coal technology and the economy Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/09/2009 09:00:00 AM

With the climate change bill moving through the Senate and the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen around the corner, many public officials have voiced their opinions about the importance of coal and clean coal technology. Here’s a sampling of what they’ve been saying lately:

On clean coal technology:

Bjørn Lomborg, professor at the Copenhagen Business School and director of the Copenhagen Consensus Center, Wall Street Journal (8/28): In an op-ed, Lomborg “urges action to address global warming, and argues that the most effective way to address the problem is through technology. Economic sanctions such as a carbon tax or cap-and-trade program will only hinder technological development.”

On the Department of Energy’s announcement of $27 million in funding for clean coal technology:

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Washington Examiner (8/28): “The University of Texas at Austin is one of seven organizations receiving funding to develop sequestration technology training projects.” The $8.4 million awarded to the university “will be used to train site developers, geologists, engineers, and technicians in order to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies for CO2 sequestration.” Said Chu, “These projects will train workers for a clean energy economy and help position the United States as a leader in carbon capture and storages technologies for years to come.”

On the benefits of coal:

Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), The Shelby County Reporter (8/26): “Its [coal’s] advantages are that it’s abundant and relatively low-cost. Coal production is a huge source of revenue, as the total annual value of coal produced in the state exceeds $1 billion.”

Northern Pacific Railway brought energy to the “unchartered West” Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/08/2009 09:08:23 AM

Photo source

Railroad companies have been an integral part of the coal industry and the electric generation process for decades. Why? Because coal comes from a mine – and rail transportation and the only way to get it from the mines to the utilities efficiently is through rail transportation.

One company in particular, Northern Pacific Railway, has been a major player in transporting coal for more than 100 years.

Although it ceased operation in 1970, the company was one of the true pioneers of coal transportation. The company’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minn. presided over a system of 2,000 miles of branch line under seven, north-centrally located operating divisions. They even owned their own coal mines for fuel!

Northern Pacific is deeply enmeshed in our nation’s history—in fact, President Abraham Lincoln signed the company into operation in 1864.

The railway’s original route followed Lewis and Clark’s trail across the “unchartered West.” And with the completion of its railway in 1883, Northern Pacific played a significant role in tying the country together, bringing in migrants from the East to populate and settle the new territories.

Railroads still haul coal to power plants in virtually every state today.

During this year’s Factuality Tour, we had the chance to learn about the railroad’s past and present impact on coal. We visited the historical Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa and the Harriman Dispatch Center— Union Pacific’s railway control center—to explore the electricity “food chain” in action.

It’s important to understand what happens in between the mine and the electrical outlets on our walls. Companies like Northern Pacific and Union Pacific have spent more than 100 years building a network of railroads and perfecting railway engineering in order to transport the coal we need for electricity to the utilities.

So the next time you turn on a light, take a moment to think about the electrical food chain. There’s so much more to it than meets the eye.

Good news for your holiday weekend Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/04/2009 09:00:00 AM

With Labor Day just around the corner, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate American workers and the positive impact they have on our economy.

American workers and industry play a huge role in the strength and vitality of our economy – and creating more jobs for talented individuals is an important step in our country’s continued economic recovery.

And as we build toward a clean energy future, we can create a wealth of new jobs by continuing to invest in advanced clean coal technology.

In fact, a report released earlier this year by BBC Research and Consulting stated that the deployment of about 90 advanced coal-based electricity plants equipped with carbon capture and storage (CCS) could generate up to $1 trillion of economic output and provide between 5 and 7 million man-years of employment during construction – as well as create a quarter of a million permanent jobs.

Creating good, green jobs for American workers and putting money back into our economy – that’s something we can all celebrate this weekend.

Coal provides millions of American jobs Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/03/2009 09:00:00 AM

The United States relies heavily on coal to produce electric power. In fact, more than half of our electricity comes from coal. With that in mind, who do you think is behind the coal production, transportation and consumption of power generation?

That’s right – American workers and businesses. Coal provides millions of jobs for people all across the country and keeps our economy running strong.

Without coal, our economy could take a serious hit. According to a 2006 Pennsylvania State University study, the U.S. could lose up to 6.8 million jobs and $1 trillion of gross economic output by 2015 if coal was removed from our energy mix.

The study also found that the production of domestic coal has expanded from 560 million tons in 1950 to 1.13 billion tons in 2005, while coal consumption for electricity generation has increased from 92 million tons to 1.04 billion tons in this same period.

As the Penn State and others have concluded, our demand for coal-generated electricity is increasing. In order to keep up with this demand—and to develop the next generation of clean coal technologies—we’ll need more hands on deck…providing a steady source of jobs for Americans for years to come.

With Labor Day just around the corner and thousands of Americans in need of jobs, this is certainly an exciting prospect and one more reason to support American coal as part of our balanced energy mix.

The conundrums of Renewable Energy Standards Posted by Joe Lucas on 09/02/2009 09:00:00 AM

Let me start out by saying this: we are not against renewable energy. In fact, as an organization, ACCCE goes out of its way to remind people that this country will need every form of electricity generation that we can think of to meet our growing demand.

But the question I wrestle with is this: if renewable energy is the answer to solving all of our energy production issues, why do we need we need renewable energy standards (RES) at all? If renewable energy is the cure-all—if it’s the obvious option—why would we create requirements for using it?

It gets more confounding when you realize that renewables like wind and solar remain uncompetitive as a significant displacement of coal and other fossil fuels (in terms of price) and unreliable (in terms of baseload capability).

To quote Robert L. Bradley Jr., president of the Institute for Energy Research in Houston:

The uncompetitiveness of renewable generation explains the emphasis pro-renewable energy lobbyists on both the state and federal levels put on quota requirements, as well as continued or expanded subsidies. Yet every major renewable energy source has drawn criticism from leading environmental groups: hydro for river habitat destruction, wind for avian mortality, solar for desert overdevelopment, biomass for air emissions, and geothermal for depletion and toxic discharges.

If the answer to our baseload generation needs was to simply use more renewable energy sources, we would be doing it already. But it doesn’t work like that. In a 2006 op-ed in the Washington Post, Patrick Moore, the co-founder of Greenpeace wrote, “Wind and solar power have their place, but because they are intermittent and unpredictable they simply can't replace big baseload plants such as coal, nuclear and hydroelectric.”

Like I said—we’re going to need all of our domestic energy resources to meet our growing energy demand. But passing requirements on an energy source that cannot currently meet our energy demand just doesn’t make sense.

As you listen to and participate in energy discussions, make sure to keep these kinds of details in mind. Taking an honest look at our challenges and opportunities is the only way we can create effective policies that protect the pocketbooks of Americans and help us reach our environmental goals.

On the road for affordable energy Posted by Joe Lucas on 08/31/2009 01:00:00 PM

It’s summer – a time of festivals, fairs, outdoor concerts and baseball. And in the summer of 2009, it’s also a time to focus on affordable energy.

As Americans gathered at public events throughout August, ACCCE sent outreach teams to eight states to talk to people with genuine concerns about energy prices. Our teams attended county and state fairs, participated in parades and met concerned business owners on Main Street.

Each team gave out materials with ACCCE’s message about ensuring that coal stays a part of the energy mix to keep electricity affordable. We gave out flyers, hats, t-shirts, pens, cards, stickers and bumper stickers. In three short weeks, we personally distributed our message nearly 95,000 times. During that time, we drove 41,000 miles, visited 264 cities, and attended 73 fairs, including four state fairs.

We collected the stories of families and small business owners like Denise, owner of the Tangle Salon in Terre Haute, Ind., who said, “We have to dry hair and nails, heat water, run the air conditioner or run the heater. Energy must be affordable or I would be in trouble.”

We visited and spoke at eight Kiwanis club meetings, as you can see in this video.

Reaching out to college students was an important part of our outreach. We visited 43 campuses and heard many stories like this one.

Sporting events were great places to meet folks and talk about keeping coal in America’s energy mix. We attended 44 sporting events, including major and minor league baseball games, preseason football games, NASCAR races, college football practices and even a surfing competition. Check out the reception we got. 

Finally, we have no doubt that the people of America understand the need and role for coal in America’s energy future – listen to the Americans we met in this video.