The National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn has responsed positively to the formation of a bi-partisan coal caucus in the US House of Representatives. He thanked the Representatives from Pennsylvania (two), West Virginia, Montana, Colorado and Illinois “for their leadership in establishing the House Coal Caucus. The NMA looks forward to working with them and their colleagues as they focus attention on the vital role coal plays in providing affordable energy and good jobs for America.
“With 240 years of supply, coal continues to be the backbone of our economy-providing half the nation’s electricity at prices that keep American businesses competitive in a global economy and help American households in these tough economic times. We share the caucus’ pride in the more than 130,000 people working today in US coal mining. Not only are these good jobs that help support communities throughout the country, they are safe jobs-having achieved two consecutive record years in mine safety. “Working together we can do more. New technologies, such as advanced clean coal and carbon capture and storage, diversified coal utilisation and new safety and environmental initiatives underway throughout the coal community can help us usher in 21st Century mining in the US. NMA looks forward to working with the House Coal Caucus on the opportunities and challenges before us.”
The Congressional Coal Caucus comes as lawmakers consider climate and energy policies that will determine the future of the abundant resource. Coal supplies half the electricity in the US but emits far more greenhouse gases than natural gas, nuclear power and renewable sources.
Those forming the caucus are: Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), John Salazar (D-Colo.) and John Shimkus (R-Ill.).
Congress is considering measures including a cap-and-trade plan to impose greenhouse gas emissions limits and increased funding for developing carbon capture and sequestration. “Coal is a critical component to our nation’s energy future,” Capito said. “Whether it’s on a cap-and-trade bill or on clean coal technology, this caucus will give coal-states a forum to highlight their priorities and present a unified voice.”
All six voted against the sweeping climate change and energy bill that the House approved 219-212 in June. The six initial members are asking other colleagues to join the new group.