For generations, coal has powered the American economy. No other energy source has had such a profound impact on the United States’ electrical infrastructure. Even today, coal produces more than 40% of the electricity used in the U.S. and provides more than 550,000 jobs for the hard-working middle class.
The latest EPA requirement limiting carbon emissions to 1,100 lbs. per megawatt-hour is a challenging threshold to overcome. Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) requirements are still novel and unproven on a mass scale. Coupled with banned construction for any new coal plants, these restrictions place and undue burden upon the backbone of Appalachian states relying on coal for their economic viability.
The EPA’s plan seems to imply that a crackdown on the burning of coal is a responsible way to deal with climate change. Politically, perhaps, it may be an attractive way to preserve their popularity with those who are intent on undermining American progress. From an economic perspective for our nation, however, it is the wrong option at this particular point in our history. One cannot deny that other forms of energy produce fewer emissions. Take natural gas for example, it is abundant, cheap, and produces 50% fewer carbon emissions than coal. That said, clean coal, CCS and other technologies do offer coal hope of a brighter future.
Ultimately, if coal is eliminated, consumers will have fewer energy choices, resulting in higher energy bills. A solid energy plan is a true “All of the Above Approach” to energy. Aside from coal, we must keep in mind that elements of society are also engaged in battles against nuclear power and natural gas. Even hydroelectric power is under assault by some. Our country cannot afford to take away all of the tools in our proverbial ‘energy toolbox.’
During this economic recovery, coal must be viewed as an important resource that should not be dismissed merely due to environmental concerns. With at least 272 billion tons of this fuel–a quarter of the world’s supply–still domestically available, coal can continue to help working families power their homes at affordable rates for generations to come.
We must balance reduced emissions with cost to ensure our electricity will continue to be generated by clean and affordable energy sources. Emission reduction is important, and our current policies are working as American’s enjoy the cleanest air and water since the beginning of the industrial revolution.
If all sides would lay aside their partisan differences, we would all find that coal is part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Brigham McCown is a former U.S. energy transportation safety chief appointed by the Hon. Norman Y. Mineta (D-CA) who served in both terms of President George W. Bush’s Administration. He is also a retired Naval Aviator and an avid baseball fan who calls it as he sees it, right down the middle. To learn more, visit him on Forbes and National Journal, or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.