The Role of Coal in a New Energy Age

For the first time in recent memory, the CEOs of America’s top two coal mining companies, and a leading international company, came to Capitol Hill to answer questions on their positions on climate change, clean energy policy, and the challenges that face their industry.

“Just as our national energy policy is at a crossroads, so, too, is the coal industry,” said Rep. Edward J. Markey, who chairs the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, the committee that hosted the CEOs. “Whether it’s climate science, the viability of ‘clean coal,’ or safety concerns, I believe Congress requires answers from the coal industry on their ability to be a part of our clean energy future.”

As Congress continues to push for a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill, questions remain regarding the coal industry’s position on the essential science of climate change and their potential to provide cleaner, lower-carbon fuel in the decades to come. The House-passed Waxman-Markey bill offered a pathway for coal to transition to carbon capture and sequestration technologies.

The coal mining industry has seen significant developments over the last two weeks. A mining accident in West Virginia has renewed questions about the safety of coal extraction, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has offered new rules on the environmental and health impacts of mountaintop mining.

WHAT: Select Committee hearing, “The Role of Coal in a New Energy Age”

WHEN: Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 9:30 AM

WHERE: 210 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC

OPENING STATEMENT: Chairman Edward J. Markey

TESTIMONY:
Gregory Boyce, President and Chief Executive Officer, Peabody Energy Corporation
Steven F. Leer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Coal, Inc.
Preston Chiaro, Chief Executive for Energy and Minerals, Rio Tinto
Michael Carey, President, Ohio Coal Association

Click here for full hearing transcript.

VIDEOS:

Full video archive of hearing.

PHOTOS:

Gregory Boyce, President and CEO of Peabody Energy Corporation

Preston Chiaro, Chief Executive for Energy and Minerals, Rio Tinto

Stephen F. Leer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Arch Coal, Inc.

The panel at the hearing.

The panel of witnesses

The audience during the hearing

Chairman Markey and Rep. Inslee at the hearing

Chairman Markey after the hearing

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