ACCCE Statement Regarding Western Governors Association Policy to Advance Deployment of Near-Zero Emission Coal

In the Clean and Diversified Energy for the West policy resolution (06-10), the WGA stated that traditional resources such as oil, coal, nuclear, natural gas and hydropower have played and will continue to play a significant role in meeting future energy needs.

“The western governors’ policy resolution regarding near-zero emission coal demonstrates their leadership and foresight regarding responsible energy policy for this nation’s future.

“Specifically, the WGA is encouraging the United States Congress and the Department of Energy to support federal funding for projects to advance our nation’s capability to capture and store carbon with an ultimate goal of near-zero emissions.

“During this week’s Western Governors Association annual meeting deliberations, several governors and their invited guests called on Congress to address the climate issue by developing and implementing national policy.

“ACCCE calls on Congress to listen and consider preemption of state climate programs in their climate legislation to avoid a situation where states will have to cope with different climate programs and regulations dependent upon the state they live, travel or conduct business.

“ACCCE advocates the vital role that clean coal plays and will continue to play in this nation’s energy portfolio. Over the last 30 years, America’s coal-based electricity providers have invested more than $50 billion in technologies to successfully reduce emissions. If Congress calls on the coal-based electricity sector to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, technology will be vital to address the requirement, at the same time protecting American consumers and businesses from exorbitant electricity rate increases.

“If the United States is to reduce its dependence on foreign energy imports, while at the same time address realistic concerns associated with climate change, then Congress must fund this important technology research, development and deployment to avoid placing the funding burden on America’s families through increases in electricity bills.

“ACCCE applauds the WGA’s stated commitment of support for investment in clean coal technology, their recognition of coal as a cost-effective energy source and their discussions indicating a national versus state solution to climate issues.”

About ACCCE

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity (ACCCE) is a non-profit, non-partisan partnership of companies involved in producing electricity from coal. Because coal is America’s most abundant energy resource, ACCCE supports energy policies that balance coal’s vital role in meeting our country’s growing need for affordable and reliable electricity with the need to protect the environment. ACCCE also advocates for the development and deployment of advanced clean coal technologies that will produce electricity with near-zero emissions. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, ACCCE has more than 40 members that represent more than $190 billion in annual revenues and employ more than 360,000 Americans. For more information, visit www.cleancoalusa.org or www.americaspower.org.

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