Tag: War on Coal

What Obama Said about Coal Miners and Gun Owners

During his convention speech, President Obama said coal miners have to be included in the fight against climate change.

And gun owners have to be engaged in any effort to rein in gun violence, he said.

Much of coal country blames Obama for decimating the industry. The phrase “War on Coal” became popular during this president’s term — and it was usually preceded by the word “Obama’s”.

Here’s what Obama said:

It can be frustrating, this business of democracy. Trust me, I know. Hillary knows, too. When the other side refuses to compromise, progress can stall. People are hurt by the inaction. Supporters can grow impatient, and worry that you’re not trying hard enough; that you’ve maybe sold out.

 

But I promise you, when we keep at it; when we change enough minds; when we deliver enough votes, then progress does happen…

 

If you want to fight climate change, we’ve got to engage not only young people on college campuses, we’ve got to reach out to the coal miner who’s worried about taking care of his family, the single mom worried about gas prices.

 

If you want to protect our kids and our cops from gun violence, we’ve got to get the vast majority of Americans, including gun owners, who agree on things like background checks to be just as vocal and just as determined as the gun lobby that blocks change through every funeral that we hold. That is how change happens…

 

Read or watch Obama’s entire speech here.

Downstream Strategies President on Proposed EPA Rules: 'This is A Watershed Moment'

  After months of speculation, the Environmental Protection Agency finally released its new proposals on existing coal fire power plants today. The EPA wants to cut carbon dioxide emissions from these facilities by up to 30 percent in the next 15 years. This strategy means these plants will be doing  business differently.

 

Evan Hansen with Downstream Strategies, an environmental consulting firm in Morgantown  says West Virginia needs to get on board with a plan to cut the pollution from power plants in the state  by 20 percent by the year 2030 using new and developing technology.
“I think this is really an opportunity for West Virginia to modernize and diversify, its electric generating fleet,” Hansen said.

“This is a real watershed moment where our leaders need to be moving forward, instead of looking backward.”

West Virginia has two years to come up with a plan on how it will reduce carbon emissions.

James Van Nostrand with the West Virginia University Center for Energy and Sustainable Development says even with the flexibility it’s not going to be easy for West Virginia. He says the state is already behind many others and needs to start catching up when it comes to regulating industry.

“The big takeaway from this rule is the energy regulators need to start talking to the air regulators. The DEP in West Virginia is going to be charged with coming up with an implementation plan,” said Van Nostrand.

“The goal should be how can we comply with these rules at the lowest cost which is the least disruptive to the West Virginia economy. It may involve utilities using renewable energy, which is all part of the energy portfolio. It has to be coordinated with the DEP, because the goal is to achieve compliance with the lowest cost to the economy.”

Four public meetings will be held in late July on the proposals. These will be in Denver, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh.

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