Tonight’s State of the Union address is one of the most anticipated in recent history. Last week’s election in Massachusetts ended the Democrats’ super-majority in the U.S. Senate, and Americans from every walk of life are wondering, “What now?” Will Democrats and Republicans make a renewed effort for bipartisanship? Or will election year politics get in the way of legislative accomplishment?
While it may be difficult to predict what will happen this year, there is little doubt about what is on the minds of most Americans: their jobs, their family budget and the economy. At ACCCE, we share those concerns and are committed to advocating for and supporting policies that will strengthen our economy while creating and maintaining jobs.
First, let’s not forget that low-cost electricity from coal is a major economic driver. Coal is used to generate nearly 50 percent of America’s electricity, and states across America rely on coal to meet their electricity needs. Because of coal’s price stability and affordability, these states have been able to create manufacturing jobs in energy-intensive industries that provide good-paying jobs for American workers. We will work with the president and the Congress to ensure that public policies keep electricity affordable for American families and businesses.
Second, we will continue to support a comprehensive approach to federal carbon management legislation that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bring new clean coal technologies to the marketplace, strengthen our economy and create jobs for American workers.
We can grow our economy, create jobs and ensure continued progress on the environment – including reducing carbon emissions. But accomplishing these goals will require all political parties and all economic sectors to work together. While this kind of cooperation is rare in Washington D.C., we remain optimistic about making progress on these goals in the years to come.
The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is committed to the idea that America can have the affordable, reliable electricity we need, with the clean environment we want. ACCCE’s Behind the Plug blog is the place for up-to-date news and analysis on clean coal technology developments and energy policy progress.