Whitfield Calls on Congress to Come 'Clean' About Coal | News | Congressman Ed Whitfield

News | Congressman Ed Whitfield | United States Representative

Whitfield Calls on Congress to Come 'Clean' About Coal May 7, 2009 WASHINGTON - Continuing his efforts to ensure sweeping climate change legislation currently being debated in the U.S. Congress does not have a detrimental impact on the U.S. economy and coal industry in Kentucky, U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) joined fellow Members of Congress for a press conference today outside the U.S. Capitol to discuss the importance of coal both as an energy source and as a vital part of local and regional economies.

"The reality is, implementing a cap and trade program before carbon capture and storage technologies are available would have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy," Whitfield said. "In my home state of Kentucky, coal not only provides 92% of our electricity, but creates tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in revenue. It is essential that as we move forward to produce cleaner energy we balance the need for cleaner fuel sources versus the need for protecting jobs in the U.S. and keeping our country competitive in the global market place."

Whitfield joined U.S. Representatives Shelly Moore Capito (WV-02), John Shimkus (Il-19), Fred Upton (MI-06), Pete Olson (TX-22) and Cynthia Lummis (WY-A/L) for a news conference outside the Capitol. The conference brought together lawmakers from coal-rich districts to discuss the impact a cap and trade program would have on local economies, jobs and electricity costs. The House of Representatives is currently debating the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, draft legislation to address climate change and promote "green energy" technologies. The proposal would establish a cap-and-trade program, new energy efficiency programs and a nationwide renewable electricity standard among other measures.

During the press conference, Whitfield noted that Kentucky is a leading producer of coal in the United States and the industry has a huge economic impact on the region. Kentucky produced nearly 126 million tons of coal in 2006, making it the third leading coal producing state in the country. The industry directly employs more than 17,000 people across the Commonwealth and indirectly provides 3 additional jobs for every miner employed. In addition, the coal industry brought over $3.5 billion into Kentucky from out-of-state in 2006 through coal sales to customers in 30 other states and 4 foreign countries.

Furthermore, Whitfield said that coal continues to be the most economical way to produce electricity and proposals to hinder the industry would drive up electricity costs significantly. In Kentucky, 92% of electricity is generated from coal. Under a proposed cap and trade system, it is estimated that electric bills in Kentucky would increase anywhere from 26 to 65%. Electric bills for businesses would also jump, driving up costs for all goods and services. During tough economic times, Whitfield said Americans simply cannot afford this.

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