Chamber of Commerce Recommends Sweeping Energy Agenda

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is urging President-Elect Obama to instantiate an “executive-level office to help expand domestic oil and gas production while aggressively promoting energy conservation and development of cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.”

Specifically, the agenda calls for the president-elect and the 111th Congress to, within the first 100 days, establish a fund managed by fossil fuel-based utilities for the R&D and carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies at private, academic and government sites. The recommendation also calls on Congress to “commit to doubling research and development funding over five years for renewable energy technologies, as well as clean coal energy.”

We agree!  We can create jobs, become more energy independent, keep energy costs affordable for consumers, and respond to climate change concerns.  The key is investing in all of our domestic energy resources … including clean coal. 

Take a look for yourself and let us know what you think.

Future Looks Bright for New Coal Plants Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/19/2008 9:51:02 AM

Given the recent media attention on last week’s Utah ruling, you might be confused about the future of coal in America. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s the skinny:

Responding to a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club over plans to construct a new power plant in Utah, the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider whether to require carbon dioxide (CO2) best-available control technology (BACT) limits on new power plants.

However, in its ruling, the EAB did not hold that CO2 must be subject to regulation.

So what’s this all mean?   

First, it means that new power plants will still be able to receive permits for construction, which is critical to meeting America’s growing energy demand and adhering to more stringent emissions standards.

The Utah decision also underscores how difficult it is to site new electric generators these days, due in large part to the uncertainty about how to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Accordingly, the EAB expressed a clear preference that CO2 regulation should be addressed via nationwide legislation rather than in the context of permit proceedings for individual facilities (on a case by case basis).

We supported mandatory federal carbon management legislation that protects U.S. energy security, promotes the creation of jobs and keeps energy costs affordable for Americans.

Another thing to remember is that the Utah decision came into play only because it was proposed on federal/tribal land. Most other plants require approval from state environmental permitting agencies, not the U.S. EPA. As a result, this decision does not affect most of the plants currently in the permitting phase.

 Stay tuned to Behind the Plug for more updates.

Exclusive conversation with CNN expert Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/12/2008 11:35:34 PM

CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider, named one of the 50 most influential Washington journalists by Washingtonian Magazine, is among the best at breaking down polls and offering historical perspective.

In an exclusive conversation with Behind The Plug, Schneider talked with us about the important role that coal played in the battleground states in the 2008 presidential campaign. (Most swing states rely heavily on coal.)

Here's a snippet of our conversation:

Thoughts on rebuilding America's economy Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/10/2008 4:34:00 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. 

One Blog, Three Easy Ways to Read Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/10/2008 3:50:02 PM

Did you know there three ways to read Behind the Plug? You can:

1. Bookmark the site and check back daily
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If you choose to receive email updates, keep in mind that you'll receive a maximum of one email per day (as opposed to receiving an email every time we publish a new post). Furthermore, you'll only receive Behind the Plug blog updates. (If you'd like to receive updates about ACCCE initiatives and energy industry news, you can sign up for that here.)

If you use a feed reader to organize your news sites and blogs, the RSS (real simple syndication) feed is for you. Just click "Subscribe" to import our feed. Your reader (such as Google Reader) will display any new items when you log in.

Thanks for reading and participating in the clean coal conversation.

Congratulations, Barack Obama! Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/05/2008 8:52:22 AM

Dear Mr. President-Elect:

It’s been a long road to the White House, but now the real work begins — the task of rebuilding America’s economy.

As you made clear during your impressive campaign, you are committed to clean coal technology.

With the election finally behind us, we look forward to helping you keep that commitment.

America’s coal-based electricity providers stand ready to work with you to pioneer a new generation of advanced clean coal technologies that will capture and store carbon emissions.

We know your new administration will address one of the most pressing issues of our time — meeting America’s growing energy needs while addressing the climate change issue. So just remember: we’re here to help.

Carrying On the Clean Coal Conversation Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/04/2008 12:52:11 PM

While the election is in its final stretch, it's clear that the clean coal conversation is just getting started. Just take a look at the clean coal supporters at a Sunday rally for Sen. John McCain:

You can keep the clean coal conversation going by joining Americans for Balanced Energy Choices.

Clean Coal Stop: Colorado Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/04/2008 12:36:19 PM

The election may be winding down, but our street teams are still out in full force, spreading our commitment to clean coal.

Yesterday, the Colorado team visited the capitol where they visited the Colorado House of Representatives.

They also snapped a few photos at Gov. Sarah Palin's rally, where she and her husband Todd signed a few clean coal hats!

Candidates Support for Clean Coal Posted by Joe Lucas on 11/03/2008 1:56:32 PM

With one day left until the election, many of you are probably making your candidate lists and checking them twice.

We've done the same thing, and today released this statement. Take a look to learn where the candidates stand on clean coal—and why coal-based electricity is a vital part of American lives.

Happy Halloween from America's Power Posted by Joe Lucas on 10/31/2008 3:56:54 PM

This week, our North Carolina team got in on the holiday festivities by carving a clean coal jack-o-lantern.

While the team's jack-o-lantern is lit by candle,  many homes around the country will rely on electric lights as a safe alternative.

Just how much of your state's electricity comes from coal? Find out.