Representative Mike Kelly Sends Letter to President Obama Calling for Coal to Be Part of His “All of the Above” Energy Strategy

Representative Mike Kelly Sends Letter to President Obama Calling for Coal to Be Part of His “All of the Above” Energy Strategy

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) sent a letter today to President Obama calling for a comprehensive energy policy that recognizes the critical role that coal plays in meeting our nation’s vast energy needs. The letter was signed by 11 other members of Congress, including the chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Hal Rogers, and members of the Pennsylvania delegation.

“When I was listening to the president talk about creating an all-of-the-above energy strategy in this year’s State of the Union address, I was shocked when he failed to mention coal,” said Rep. Kelly. “Nearly 50 percent of our nation’s electricity is generated by coal, so the fact that the president did not include coal in his strategy shows a stunning level of disregard toward an industry that literally keeps our country running. So I decided to send the president a letter to express my concerns.”

The letter highlights the fact that several burdensome and overreaching federal regulations implemented under the Obama Administration have forced coal-fueled power plants to shut down, including plants located in Pennsylvania, which has led to the loss of thousands of good, family-sustaining jobs. Rep. Kelly and the letter’s other signatories ask the president to join them in their efforts for a truly all-of-the-above energy policy, one that includes coal and all the immense benefits that this affordable and abundant domestic energy source has to offer the American people.

George Ellis, of the Pennsylvania Coal Association, said it was important that members of Congress and the president work together to achieve energy independence by including all domestic energy resources, including coal. “True energy security lies in a balanced energy policy that wisely utilizes all domestic sources. No viable source can be left behind,” said Ellis. “Given its affordability and reliability, coal will continue to play a key role in lighting our energy future as a reliable, base-load domestic energy source.”

To read the letter, click here.

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