Policy Issues
Energy - Reliable, Affordable American Energy
Coal continues to serve as the backbone of America's economy. As our most abundant, reliable and affordable source of fossil energy, we rely on our coal resources to supply half of all the electricity consumed by the U.S. America's enormous coal resources are more critical than ever in generating the low-cost electricity necessary to stimulate and sustain a robust economic recovery.
Minerals Policy - America's Strength
The basics of our well-being - our homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals and transportation systems - are all possible because of America's vast mineral wealth. U.S. must develop policies that support the utilization of America's mineral and defend against policies that could send jobs overseas and force us to become more reliant on imported minerals from foreign sources.
Clean Coal - America's Cleaner Energy Future
America needs constructive energy and environmental policies that ensure coal can continue to provide American homes and businesses with affordable energy, while aiding continued environmental improvement efforts. We need to develop policies that protect coal jobs, and guarantee the availability of affordable energy while helping to develop new cutting-edge clean technologies.
Surface Mining - Reclamation and Restoration
Surface mining is used to safely and efficiently extract coal reserves in the steep terrain conditions characteristic of Central Appalachia. Current efforts by federal agencies to eliminate surface mining will have a devastating economic impact on the communities where these mines are located.
Carbon Capture and Storage - Emissions-Free Power
As America and the world move toward policies to stabilize and reduce carbon emissions, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies present one of the most promising and effective options for large-scale reductions in CO2 emissions from energy use.
Mine Safety - Mining's Commitment
America's mining community is committed to consistently improving mine safety. Over the last three years, more than $500 million has been invested in new safety technology and training at U.S. mines. The mining community promotes health and safety as a core value. .We have to build upon the tremendous safety accomplishments being made at mines across the country and help us guard against measures that would saddle mine operators with unworkable rules that do not advance mine safety.