Midwest Governors Association Energy Accord: Carbon Capture and Storage Vital for Robust Energy Infrastructure

Contact: Lisa Camooso Miller (703) 684-6292, Cullen West (703) 302-1224
October 6, 2009

Detroit, MI -- When the governors from 11 Midwestern states gather in Detroit to discuss the Midwestern Energy Infrastructure Accord, one of the main items on the agenda will be the commercial build-out of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in future coal plants.

“ACCCE supports the Midwest Governors Association and its efforts to develop a robust energy infrastructure that will include a strong commitment to coal-based generation and carbon capture and storage,” said ACCCE Senior Vice President of State Affairs and Outreach, Scott Wiseman. “Close to one hundred thousand Americans from Midwestern states are employed in industries that involve coal. These employees are in our power plants, coal mines, transportation sectors, and suppliers in an industry that serves as the backbone of America’s heartland economy.”

The U.S. is recognized as an international leader in CCS technologies with more than 200 clean coal programs and projects across the country, with much of the research being conducted in Midwestern states. In fact, some of this country’s most expansive geologic formations for carbon sequestration are located in the Midwest. Part of the discussion during the Jobs and Energy Summit will focus on how Midwestern states can help in the development of an effective CCS regulatory framework at the federal level.

About ACCCE:

The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity 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 includes over 40 member companies employing more than 360,000 Americans. For more information visit www.americaspower.org